Operating Hours & Seasons

Icon with calendar and text indicating reservations required to enter cavern.

COVID-19 Operations Update:

Reservations Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern

  • Reservations must be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777.
  • No reservations available at the park.
  • Reservations are only for selecting the entry time.
  • Upon arrival at the visitor center, entrance tickets must be purchased.
 
 
 

The visitor center and cavern are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.

Visitor Center Hours
8 am–5 pm

Last Cavern Entrance Ticket Sold
2:15 pm

Last Cavern Entrance
2:30 pm

Elevator Service INTO the Cavern
8:30 am–2:30 pm

Last Elevator OUT of the Cavern
4:45 pm

Hike INTO the Cavern (see schedule change below)
8:30 am–2:30 pm

Hike OUT of the Cavern (see schedule change below)
8:30 am–3:30 pm

April 6-8

Hike INTO the Cavern
8:30 am–2:15 pm

Hike OUT of the Cavern
8:30 am–1:15 pm

Last updated: April 2, 2021

Contact the Park

Mailing Address:

3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Phone:

(575) 785-2232

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