National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a National Park in New Mexico. The NPS currently lists 5 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $15.

New Mexico National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted

Updated · NPS Data API

Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.
Hall of Giants · Photo: NPS / Michael Larson (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

5

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

1

Current alerts and closures

5 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 5 information.

Information

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.

Posted or updated Nov 17, 2025 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Mar 5, 2025 ·Details on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Apr 9, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov

Information

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.

Posted or updated Apr 5, 2024 ·Details on nps.gov

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.

Posted or updated Sep 19, 2018 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

An entrance fee is required to enter Carlsbad Cavern and provides access by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.

Entrance fees
FeeCostDetails
Timed Entry Reservation - Location$1A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Buy online
Entrance - Per Person$15Entrance 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.

The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here.

Things to do

Close up of the sotol plant.
Photo: NPS / Michael Larson

Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail

Enjoy views of the Guadalupe Mountains and explore Chihuahuan Desert plant life along this short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) loop trail.

30 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Photo of the Big Room with cave formations and the trail.
Photo: NPS

Explore the Cavern at Your Own Pace

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.

1-3 Hours Year-round Reservation required Fee applies

Hiking

Photo of the desert landscape along the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.
Photo: NPS / Andy Rankin

Guadalupe Ridge Trail (GRT)

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.

5-6 Days Winter, Spring, Fall Reservation required Fee applies

Backcountry Camping

See all 17 things to do in Carlsbad Caverns →

Activities the NPS lists for Carlsbad Caverns.

AstronomyStargazingCampingCavingFoodDiningPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs

Operating hours

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.

Hours
DayHours
Monday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Tuesday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Wednesday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Thursday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Friday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Saturday9:00AM - 2:30PM
Sunday9:00AM - 2:30PM

Weather: 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).

Contact and directions

Phone
5752361309
Email
[email protected]
Address
727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Coordinates
32.1409, -104.5530· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Visitor CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM5757852232Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.