Carlsbad Caverns National Park
National Park · NM
5 noticesfrom the National Park Service
Information · Closures Due to Flood Damage
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.
More informationInformation · Fire Restrictions
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.
Information · Footwear in the Cavern
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.
Information · Items 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 not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.
More informationInformation · Timed 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 select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.
More information
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/cave
- Location
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park (32.141, -104.553)
Track your visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Visitor Center
Hours
Hourstoday: 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Sat Oct 39:00AM - 2:30PM
- Sun Oct 49:00AM - 2:30PM
- Mon Oct 59:00AM - 2:30PM
- Tue Oct 69:00AM - 2:30PM
- Wed Oct 79:00AM - 2:30PM
- Thu Oct 89:00AM - 2:30PM
- Fri Oct 99:00AM - 2:30PM
Upcoming closures: Nov 26 (Thanksgiving Day)
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Hours are retrieved from the National Park Service and can change without notice — check the official site before you go.
Visitor centers
1
- Visitor Centertoday: 9:00AM - 5:00PMDirections
Entrance fees
2
- Timed Entry Reservation - Location — $1.00
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.
- Per Person — $15.00
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.