Alert: 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.
National Park
Carlsbad Caverns
Giant and Twin domes in the Big Room. NPS / Michael Larson
Overview
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.
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.
Entrance - 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.
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Lower Cave Tour
$
Description
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.
The Big Room and Natural Entrance trails can be enjoyed at your own pace. The Big Room Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. The Natural Entrance Trail is strenuous. Enjoy one or both to experience a variety of cave formations.
Adults (ages 16 and older): $15 per person Children (ages 15 and under): Free If you are entering with a pass, please visit the ticket counter for your free admission ticket.
Ages:0Time:1-3 Hours
Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT)
$
Description
This trail covers 100 miles (161 km) through Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Lincoln National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Over 20 miles (32 km) of this trail is within Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Park entry fee required for all adult visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Lincoln National Forest do not charge an entrance fee.
Ages:0Time:5-6 Days
Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area
Free
Description
Have a relaxing picnic among tall cottonwood trees and watch for a variety of birds.
Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.Photo of the Big Room with trailPhoto of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big RoomPhoto of a yucca plant with cream and pinkish-colored flowers.
