Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico offers a fascinating subterranean world to explore. When planning your visit to Carlsbad Caverns, it’s important to be aware of the latest conditions and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Before heading to the park, checking the Alerts and Conditions page is recommended for any real-time updates that might affect your visit. To get to this natural wonder, detailed directions are available to guide you.
Image: The majestic Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns, a large opening leading into the depths of the earth, inviting exploration.
Knowing the Operating Hours for both the Visitor Center and the Cavern is crucial for planning your day. An Entrance Fee of $15 per person (ages 16 and older) applies, while it’s free for those 15 and under. National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes are also accepted for free entry.
You can Enjoy the Cavern at Your Own Pace with self-guided tours along the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails. Access to the cavern is available by elevator or by hiking down the Natural Entrance.
Image: A breathtaking view of the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns, showcasing its vastness and stunning rock formations, highlighting the scale of the underground wonder.
Please note that Ranger-Guided Tours are currently temporarily suspended until further notice. However, Audio Guides are available for rent at the Western National Parks Association store within the visitor center to enhance your self-guided tour experience.
When visiting the cavern, appropriate Footwear in the Cavern is essential. Due to wet and steep areas on the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails, closed-toe shoes with good traction are highly recommended for safety. Flip flops and sandals are not advisable.
Lighting in the Cavern is dim, creating a unique atmosphere. While flashlights are permitted, they are generally not necessary. It’s also important to note that Tripods, Bipods, and Monopods are not allowed inside the cavern.
To protect the bat population, Bio-Cleaning Mats are in place. All visitors are required to walk on these mats after exiting the cavern to help prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome.
For those interested in further reading, the Online Bookstore offers various publications related to Carlsbad Caverns.
Food and Drinks options are limited at the visitor center, with availability from 8 am to 4 pm daily. Remember that only plain water is allowed inside the cavern.
A remarkable experience is the Bat Flight Program, occurring nightly from late-May through October. Electronic devices, including cameras, are prohibited at the Bat Flight Program to protect the bats.
Service Animals are permitted in certain areas, including the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails, King’s Palace, and the Bat Flight Amphitheater. However, therapy or emotional support dogs are not classified as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed in the cavern.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park strives to be Accessible to all visitors, and information regarding accessibility is available online. For those Traveling with Pets, note that pets are restricted from certain areas, and a kennel service is available at the visitor center.
For Other Things to Know Before You Visit and Frequently Asked Questions, additional resources are provided to help you prepare for your unforgettable trip to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.
Image: Thousands of bats emerging from Carlsbad Caverns at dusk during the Bat Flight Program, a spectacular natural phenomenon to witness.
