Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Photo: NPS / Michael Larson
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert.
- LocationCarlsbad, NM
- Entrance $1 timed entry reservation - location
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 2:30PM
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Weather now85°F Sunny
- Alerts 5 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Ancient Seas
- Animals
- Astronomy
- Birds
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
- Fish
- Geology
- Native American Heritage
5 more topics
- Night Sky
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Unique Species
- Wilderness
Alerts (5)
InformationFire Restrictions Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the u… Read more
Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
InformationClosures Due to Flood Damage Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage.… Read more
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.
InformationItems Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do no… Read more
A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
InformationTimed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only s… Read more
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
InformationFootwear in the Cavern For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little… Read more
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.
Things to Do
17 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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King's Palace Tour
Reservation required Fee applies
The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public.
Learn more about King's Palace Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Lower Cave Tour
Reservation required Fee applies
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.
Learn more about Lower Cave Tour on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 2 of 2
All 17 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Junior Ranger Program
- Picnicking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Caving
- Dining
Show 5 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Ticket Facility
Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 575-236-1309 Directions
Details
Overview:
Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Come explore the largest chambered cavern in North America.
The Guadalupe Mountains are an uplifted portion of ancient reef, which thrived along the edge of an inland sea more than 250 million years ago. Preserved in the rocks are the ancient bodies of sponges, algae, snails, nautilus and more. This fossil reef formed the caves beneath the surface. Over time, sulfuric acid dissolved into surrounding limestone, creating stunning rock formations jutting down from the cave ceilings. More than 300,000 visitors travel to Carlsbad Caverns each year for a rare glimpse of the underground worlds preserved beneath the desert.
Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cave's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room trail. Or, you can simply take an elevator ride from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room trail.
Most of the cave trail is self-guided and included in the general admission fee that you will pay upon arrival to the park.
Seeking a more adventurous cave experience? Choose from among several ranger-guided tours to reserve in advance. Tours range from relatively easy strolls to physically strenuous and mentally challenging adventure tours.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details, which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
Summary of Fees - Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Other Visitor Services
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Visitor Center
Facility
>> RESERVATIONS REQUIRED to enter cavern and must be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The reservation is only for selecting the entry time…
727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM (575) 785-2232 Directions
Details
>> RESERVATIONS REQUIRED to enter cavern and must be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The reservation is only for selecting the entry time. Entrance tickets will need to be purchased at the visitor center.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 2:30PM · Hours
Hours details
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HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Monday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 2:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Entrance fees
- $15Per Person
All 2 fees & details
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Timed Entry Reservation - Location$1
A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.
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Per Person$15
Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
Address
727 Carlsbad Caverns HighwayCarlsbad, NM 88220
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
85°F
Sunny · feels like 82°
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Today
90° 69°
Sunny17% rain
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Tomorrow
87° 73°
Sunny4% rain
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Wednesday
83° 70°
Overcast6% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions. Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!
Upcoming Events
2 coming up-
Bat Flight Program
Event page for Bat Flight Program (opens in a new tab)About
Please join us for the free Bat Flight Program (April through October), an evening ranger talk about bats prior to their flight. No reservations are required for this program that occurs every evening from April through October. The program takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater, located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. The start time for the program changes as the summer progresses and sunset times change.
Programs may be cancelled in the event of lightning.
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Night Hike
Event page for Night Hike (opens in a new tab)About
This is a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) round trip hike along an unimproved trail, marked only by stick posts and rock piles in low-light conditions. Sharp-pointed plants with thorns are very common along the trail with a slight but rocky slope.
Photos
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Mule deer find food in a drainage. — NPS / Michael Larson -
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Getting There
Carlsbad, NM 88220
To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. The entrance road stretches a scenic seven miles (11.3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance.
Full directions
The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.
Mailing address: 3225 National Parks Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220
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