Visitors on the lantern-lit Left Hand Tunnel Tour.
NPS / Eymard Bangcoro
Moderately difficult, this is a historic candle-lit lantern tour through an undeveloped section of the cave on unpaved trails. The dirt trail winds over uneven surfaces with some steep slippery slopes. Careful footing is required to navigate on steep slippery slopes, around cavern pools and fragile formations. Not recommended for anyone who has difficulty seeing in dim light. Lanterns are provided.
Reservations are available at the visitor center.
Duration:
2 hours
When:
See tour schedule chart for tours throughout the year.
Where:
Tour departs from the visitor center theater. You will receive an orientation before you venture into the cave.
Cost:
$7 for adults and $3.50 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket.
Age Limit:
Minimum age is 10 years old. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Requirements:
Closed-toed shoes, hiking boots, or hiking shoes with good tread are required. No sandals, flip flops, or similar permitted. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions.Learn more about required footwear.
Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.
All visitors are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico. Click for more information.
