Last updated: January 12, 2026
Thing to Do
Lower Cave Tour
NPS / Peter Jones
In 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers. Highlights of this tour include "The Rookery," with countless nests of cave pearls, the "Colonel Boles Formation," and an incredible diversity of cave formations that compete for your attention everywhere you look. Included in the tour is a descent of 60 feet (18.3 m) of ladders and a knotted rope to hang onto as you slowly walk backward down a slope at the tour entrance.
Lower Cave Tour only occurs on Saturdays. Tickets will be released 30 days prior from each tour date. To make reservations, go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
If you are attending Lower Cave tour you are not able to attend King's Palace tour on the same day.
Tour Limit: 12 people
Requirements:
- Participants must be able to safely navigate cave passages containing fragile formations without harm to the cave, themselves, or others.
- You will receive a mandatory safety orientation before you venture into the cave.
- Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. Click for more details.
- Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.
- The park will provide helmets with lights and gloves. Due to the possibility of carrying the lethal fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats, we do no allow anyone to use their own personal caving gear.
- 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.
Note: Caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous, and take hours to accomplish.
Details
Duration
3 Hours
Activity
Guided Tours
Age(s)
12 and Older
Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pets Allowed
No
Location
Lower Cave Tour
Reservations
Yes
To make reservations go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Check the tour schedule on the park's website or go to Recreation.gov.
Accessibility Information
There are ladders to enter and exit Lower Cave. Trail is narrow and unpaved.