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Last updated: January 18, 2013

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What to Expect on the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Bonnie

Tucked away in the southeast corner of New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to the largest, easily accessible cave chamber in North America. It is also one of the few caves within the National Park Service that you can tour on your own. No need to stress, though, the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour is easy to follow and very informative.

We have now done tours in many different caves, including Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Timpanogos Cave in Utah and Wind Cave in South Dakota. It’s interesting to us just how different various caves can be. For instance, Mammoth Cave is, generally, not nearly as “decorative” as many other caves. Additionally, the unusual cave formation known as boxwork is only rarely found outside Wind Cave. 

Carlsbad Caverns is known for both its large chambers, like the aptly named “Big Room,” and its decorative mineral features. It is also home to a large colony of Brazilian Free-tail bats, which are a highlight of a summer visit to the park. 

Still, the park is great any time of year! So, let’s take a look at just what you can expect on a self-guided tour of Carlsbad Caverns and around the rest of the park.

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Basic Information

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located just south of Carlsbad, NM in the Chihuahuan Desert of the Guadalupe Mountains. It is a fairly remote park, aside from the town of Carlsbad, which is about 20 miles north. Just outside the park entrance, the tiny enclave of White’s City offers an inn, RV park, gas station and restaurant. It’s not more than two corners of a single intersection, though.

The highlight of the national park is certainly the main cave (Carlsbad Cavern), along with the bat program in the summer. But, the park is home to at least 120 caves. Unfortunately, most of these are off-limits to the public.

Additionally, there are a few above-ground hiking trails and a scenic drive. The park also offers a few night-sky programs in the summer. At the visitor center, you will find a few exhibits, along with a small NPS bookstore and a large concessionaire gift shop and cafe. There is even a small snack bar down in the cave, though it has limited days/hours of operation.

Visitors can access Carlsbad Cavern via a 1.25-mile steep hike down the Natural Entrance or a relatively quick zoom down the elevator. Keep reading for more information on these options.

Be sure to check the Carlsbad Caverns National Park website for current hours of operation. The park enforces strict times for entering and exiting the cave on a self-guided tour. Finally, it is worth noting that the entire park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days.

Carlsbad Caverns Tours

Currently, Carlsbad Cavern can be seen on two different tours: the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour and the ranger-led King’s Palace Tour. Reservations for both must be made ahead of time on the recreation.gov website or app. Pre-COVID-19, the park offered a few other tours of the main cave and other caves. Unfortunately, as of March 2024, these have not resumed.

King’s Palace tours last 1.5 hours and are currently limited to 12 people. As you might guess, these reservations are extremely difficult to secure. Tickets are released 30 days prior at 8 a.m. Mountain Time and typically sell out very quickly. If you are interested in this tour, I suggest trying to secure tickets immediately when they are released.

Thankfully, tickets for the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour are relatively easy to get, especially during non-peak times. Still, you need to secure tickets before arriving at the park. Tickets are available up to 30 days in advance and until 5 a.m. MT the day of the tour, provided space is available. Your ticket allows you to enter the cave within a one-hour window. Once inside the cave, you can stay until the posted exit time.

Note: You must pay the park entrance fee upon arrival to Carlsbad Caverns National Park ($15 per person ages 16 or older, valid for three days) in addition to the ticket fees that are collected with your reservation. National Park pass holders must purchase a tour ticket, as only the park entrance fee is covered by your pass.

Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

Our visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park was part of a longer road trip in the winter. Since we know that winter weather can always detail a road trip, we opted to keep our itinerary flexible and not make reservations too far in advance. That meant the King’s Palace Tour was not an option for us. 

Honestly, though, for our first visit to Carlsbad Caverns, we were happy to do the Self-Guided Tour. And, now that we’ve done it, I would certainly recommend it to any first-time visitor. It is possible to do both the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour and the King’s Palace Tour on the same day. This would not be a bad option if you have the time.

The Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour allows you to explore the Big Room along a 1.25-mile paved route. This trail is well-lit and relatively level. Much of the trail is even wheelchair accessible. That said, the park recommends that visitors in wheelchairs should only enter the Big Room with assistance. 

Before entering the cave, consider renting a handheld audio guide at the NPS bookstore. While there are a few exhibit signs along the underground trail, the audio tour provides in-depth descriptions of the cave features, history and geology. If you haven’t been in a lot of caves or have a particular interest in the geology or history of Carlsbad Cavern, I would encourage you to rent the audio guide. It’s a nominal rental fee ($5 when we visited) and was very informative and easy to use.

Natural Entrance vs. Elevator for the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

When you are ready for your Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour, you’ll need to be prepared to tell the ranger if you are planning to enter the cave via the elevator or the natural entrance. Since the natural entrance takes you through 1.25 miles of the cave that you would not see otherwise, we HIGHLY SUGGEST taking this route. That said, it is steep and moderately strenuous, descending more than 750 feet underground. 

Hiking down (or up) the natural entrance also doubles the length of your cave tour, as it is separate from the Big Room. If you have mobility issues, limited stamina or even limited time, then you might want to skip the natural entrance and just take the elevator up and down.

Otherwise, we suggest that you enter the cave via the natural entrance and exit via the elevator. While I suppose it is technically possible to exit via the natural entrance, it would be quite strenuous. And, while we enjoyed the cave along that route, I don’t think you would gain anything by hiking it both down and up. 

The park’s brochure shows the path of the Natural Entrance and Big Room routes. Be sure to look at that and talk to a ranger if you aren’t sure which way to enter or exit the cave. 

The Natural Entrance Route on the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

If you can make the trek down the natural entrance, you’ll enter the cave by the amphitheater that is used in the summer for the nightly Bat Flight Program. From there, you’ll descend about 200 feet along a series of switchbacks until you reach the entrance to the Bat Cave. 

As you might guess from the name, this is where the bats roost inside the cave. Even if visiting in the summer, when the bats are present, you will not be able to see them from the trail.

From there, the trail flattens out a bit as it continues to descend through the Main Corridor. Still, there are a few steep areas and another set of switchbacks near the area known as Devil’s Den. As you make your way through the cave, you’ll see a variety of features including stalactites, stalagmites and columns. You’ll even pass by a few pools of water.

It took us just under 1.5 hours to make our way down the Natural Entrance Trail to the elevators on the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour. That included quite a bit of stopping or slowing down to take pictures and listen to the audio guide.

Rest Area and Lunchroom

The Natural Entrance Trail meets up with the Big Room Trail right by the elevators, bathrooms and snack bar. At this point, you’re 755 feet below the surface. 

This is a great opportunity to take a potty break, eat a snack and maybe even take a few minutes to rest your legs. While you’re done with the most strenuous part, you’re still only about halfway through your Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour at this point.

It is also worth noting that this is the only area where you are permitted to eat or drink anything other than water. Even the smallest crumbs can make a big impact on the cave’s ecosystem, so all visitors must follow this policy.

Exploring the Big Room on the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

The 8.2-acre Big Room is the largest single cave chamber in North America. It truly is a must-see for anyone visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is easily accessible via the elevator and much of the route around its perimeter is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for just about anyone to see.

A 1.25-mile paved trail takes you around the perimeter of the Big Room. A shortcut about halfway through the loop will cut the trail in about half. 

The highly decorated Big Room really is impressive, both in its size and the cave features. You’ll see a large group of stalactites known as the Chandelier and Crystal Spring Dome, an active formation that grows as it flows down a stalagmite into a cave pool. You’ll also be wowed by a variety of both large and small features from Doll’s Theatre where you’ll find extremely fragile soda straw formations to the towering domes at the Hall of Giants. 

In a few places, you’ll even see tools left behind by some of the early cave explorers. In particular, be on the lookout for a very rickety ladder on a cave wall and ropes tied to the cave ceiling. While being inside caves doesn’t really bother me too much, these tools remind me that is true only for well-developed caves!

Even after all the caves we’ve toured, every turn of the trail through the Big Room revealed a new cave feature that left us in awe. Seriously, Carlsbad Cavern is one impressive cave every step of the way. 

We spent about 1 hour and 15 minutes touring the Big Room. Again, that included several stops for pictures and audio guide information.

What to Wear Inside Carlsbad Caverns

As with most caves, the temperature inside Carlsbad Caverns stays a constant 56 degrees. Thus, we recommend wearing pants and long sleeves. You’ll also want to make sure you have shoes that will be comfortable for a 1.25-2.5 mile walk, likely sneakers or hiking shoes. There are a few areas that might be slippery, so I’d go with closed-toes shoes.

If you plan to hike down the natural entrance, you’ll definitely want shoes with good traction (we both wore hiking shoes). If you are taking the elevator and just exploring the Big Room, the path is more level, so regular sneakers are fine.

Read our tips for visiting a National Park Service cave here.

How to Avoid Spreading White-Nose Syndrome

It is also best to not wear clothes that have been inside another cave to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White-nose syndrome, which affects hibernating bats. You may even have to wipe down your shoes, phone or camera gear before entering the cave or when exiting. 

White-nose syndrome (WNS) gets its name from the white fuzzy fungus that can grow on a bat’s nose. Unfortunately, it can cause bats to be more active than usual during hibernation and burn up the fat that they need to survive the winter. Biologists first found sick and dying bats in 2007. Since then, WNS has killed millions of bats in North America and is considered one of the worst wildlife diseases in modern history.

People can unknowingly spread the fungus that causes WNS, as the spores can live on your clothing and other items even after washing. Thus, you will find that most cave operators (like the National Park Service) request that visitors not wear or carry anything into a cave that has been in another cave.

Pro Tip: Take a picture of each of the people in your group before heading into the cave, making sure all of their gear is in the picture. That way, you will have a record of what you wore and can avoid taking it into another cave.

Interestingly, the ranger we talked to at Carlsbad Caverns National Park said they aren’t too worried about WNS since their bats are migratory rather than hibernating. Still, since there is much that is not known about the spread of WNS, it’s best to wear new clothing that has not been in another cave if at all possible.

Other Things to Do at Carlsbad Caverns

While the cave tours are certainly the highlight of any visit to Carlsbad Caverns, there are a few things to do above ground. 

Bat Flight Program 

Aside from cave tours, one of the most popular things to do at Carlsbad Caverns is the nightly Bat Flight Program, which is held from Memorial Day weekend through October. Each night, thousands of bats rush from the cave’s natural entrance to feed. At the Bat Flight Program, park rangers present a talk about bats before they emerge.

Check times for the Bat Flight Program on the park’s website or at the visitor center. The program is generally held about 30 minutes before sunset. 

Unfortunately, the bats spend their winters in Mexico, so we were not able to see this spectacular event during our January visit. But, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Carlsbad Caverns, so we definitely plan to return sometime in the future when we can see the bats!

It’s also worth noting that the bats typically return to the park in mid to late April. You can watch the bat flight on your own at the amphitheater even if the ranger program hasn’t started yet for the summer. Also, if you are visiting in the fall, it’s worth noting that there is no way to know exactly when the bats will leave and move south. 

Overall, if you think this will be your only visit to Carlsbad Caverns, I’d suggest going when you can be reasonably certain the bats will be there. If you know you will likely have the opportunity to return, though, you can still enjoy a visit to this park even if you miss that special sight.

Hiking Trails and Scenic Drive 

If you are waiting around after your cave tour and before the Bat Flight Program, there are several above-ground hiking trails at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Sadly, flooding in 2022 caused trail erosion and damage to the scenic Walnut Canyon Desert Drive. Currently, most backcountry hiking trails and the scenic drive remain closed. For more information and estimates on reopening, check out the National Park Service website on the flood damage .

As you make your way in or out of the park, we suggest the short, Walnut Canyon Overlook Trail. The trailhead for this 5-minute walk is located right along the main park road as you make your way to the visitor center and cave entrance. It’s worth a quick stop to look out over the vast Chihuahuan Desert!

There also is a 1/2-mile Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail right by the visitor center. Along this mostly paved trail, you’ll find information on the flora of the surrounding desert. 

We certainly hope that the backcountry trails and the scenic drive are open when we return to Carlsbad Caverns!

Where to Stay and Eat When Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

There is no lodging or even a developed campground within the park. Right by the park entrance, you’ll find a small inn and RV park at White’s City. If you want to camp, that isn’t a bad option but it really isn’t a town. 

If you’re looking for a hotel and easy access to restaurants, shopping or other conveniences, I’d suggest staying in Carlsbad. Since we didn’t have the camper with us on this trip, we spent 3 nights at the Home2Suites in Carlsbad , which we used as our base for visiting both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which is located just across the state line in Texas.

Read more about exploring Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Grant’s article.

The Home2Suites was perfectly comfortable and we enjoyed having the small kitchenette with a refrigerator. It is also located on the south side of town, making it very convenient for getting to the parks.

Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

Another perk of the Home2Suites is that you can walk to Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company , which is just on the other side of the parking lot. We did this for dinner one night and were not disappointed at all! The beer is quite tasty and they serve a nice variety of pizzas, subs, paninis and a few salads and appetizers. 

If you’re looking for something other than a brewery, we suggest YellowBrix , which is located in the center of town. I thoroughly enjoyed the BRIX Meatloaf, which included a hefty serving of meatloaf along with two sides. Grant opted for the BRIX Mexican Burger, which was a traditional burger but wrapped in a tortilla. They also have a nice beer and wine menu, offering a little something for everyone.

Final Thoughts on the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour

After you’ve visited as many caves as we have, it’s easy to think that you’re going to “just another cave.” While we were excited to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park, we wondered if it would live up to the hype for us. 

I am pleased to say that it did! Even after countless other cave tours, it is easy to see why people like Carlsbad Caverns. And, that was without getting to see the bats or any of the backcountry hiking trails. This was easily one of our favorite caves!

While we always love a good ranger-led tour, doing the Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Tour was nice. It allowed us to explore the cave at our own pace, spending as much or as little time at a given formation as we wanted. Honestly, the fast pace of our tour at Mammoth Cave was one of our biggest complaints. It was refreshing to not have to worry about that this time.

We took our time, took the pictures we wanted and rested when we wanted! Seeing both the Natural Entrance and the Big Room was special, even if it did make for a somewhat lengthy walk. All told, we spent a little over 2.5 hours hiking in and around Carlsbad Caverns and we loved every bit of it!

Touring on our own was easy. The route was well-marked. And, there were enough informational signs to know what we were looking at. Having the audio guide provided even more history and information. We certainly did not feel that we missed out on anything by not having a ranger-guided tour. Mostly, we just loved touring on our own and not worrying about a large group.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

Top ways to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Carlsbad Caverns Reservations: Cost, Tours, and Everything to Know About Staying at the National Park

It’s a lesser-known treasure of a national park , but a treasure nonetheless. While many people plan out their spring and summer vacations to places like Yellowstone National Park , the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Yosemite, Carlsbad Caverns sits waiting for eager outdoor-enthusiasts to sift through its glories.

Some of which include gorgeous flowering cactus, deep canyons, sea ledges, and a lot of desert wildlife minding its business.

The national park is in Eddy County, New Mexico, and has over 100 caves in pristine form. While in the area, most people opt for a visit to the Natural Entrance, which will get you into the one-and-only Carlsbad Cavern. This is a massive underground chamber within the cavern. While there, it only makes sense to drive through Walnut Canyon Desert Loop to watch the desert surround you from the confines of your car. Meanwhile, Rattlesnake Springs (it, sadly, has that name for a reason) is a wetland full of reptiles and birds.

All in all, Carlsbad Caverns are the perfect embodiment of New Mexico. If you’re sold on taking a visit, here’s just about everything you need to know to book a trip. As Outsiders, we’re always trying to dirty up our old hiking boots somewhere new and to add a new notch to our national park list.

Outsider’s Top Five Things to Remember Before Your Trip

• Make your reservations beforehand
• Make sure to pay that entrance fee first thing
• Know the guidelines to backcountry hiking and camping
• Book a ranger-guided tour on one of the days of your visit
• Adults 16 years and older are $15, children 15 and younger enter for free

Carlsbad Caverns Reservations

Similar to many national parks across the nation, you’re going to need to make a reservation before visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Carlsbad Caverns reservations can be made online, here , or you can go ahead and call 877-444-6777 to sort that out. Make sure you do this, we’d hate to see you make the trek to New Mexico only to miss out on this experience because you’re reservation-less. There are no reservations available at the park.

Online reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Cavern. The reservation is only for selecting the entry time. Entrance tickets will need to be purchased at the visitor center. For reservations: https://t.co/CkfCXcI549 — Carlsbad Caverns NPS (@CavernsNPS) March 18, 2021

Also, the reservations you do make are only available for certain entry times into the park. Once you arrive, head to the visitor center to buy entrance tickets.

The self-guided tour can be enjoyed by hiking or an elevator. That means you can hitch a ride to the Big Room Trail or hike through the Natural Entrance for 1.25 miles instead.

Camping Permits at the National Park

If you’re ready to head out with your camping tent, a sleeping bag, a little makeshift stove, and your favorite cooler, then make sure you have your camping permit sorted out. You’re actually only allowed to camp in the backcountry of the park (beware of some slithery friends, if you do). Just be sure to zip up that sleeping bag and you’ll be golden.

To do this you’ll need to get a (free!) backcountry use permit at the visitor center when you arrive for your trip. You won’t need to stress about making any reservations in advance for this. You’ll have to be 18 and up and you can only stay seven nights at a time.

Don’t start any open fires (take those s’mores elsewhere, please). Also, you’ll have to leave your dog at home for this trip since you can’t hike or camp with dogs in the backcountry. This is also not the time to pack up your RV or your truck because you can’t camp with those, either.

Here’s where to go:

Rattlesnake Canyon

• The Rattlesnake Canyon trailhead
• Located near Desert Scenic Loop Road, close to Guadalupe Ridge Trail
• You can camp both north and south of this trail
• Make sure that your campsite is 100 feet off an established trail and 300 feet from a water site

What’s Coming Out of Your Wallet?

When it comes to planning a trip, there are two most important factors to consider — where are you going and what are you spending? There’s a big difference between take, for example, a trip to Grand Canyon National Park and spending two weeks exploring London, England.

For starters, the entrance fees at Carlsbad Caverns are required and good for three days. For adults (ages 16 and older, in this case) it’s going to be $15 a person. Children (15 and under) get in for free.

There are some ways to get in free, such as holidays events like National Park Week or the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. Also, veterans get into national parks for free.

As for other expenses, that is going to vary on where you are coming from. Plane tickets will vary, especially considering everything is more expensive (including gas, if you’re driving).

As for sleeping arrangements outside of camping, the area offers plenty of hotels or even Airbnb experiences not far from the national park.

If you are planning a visit, there are certain things you should buy and pack first. For starters, you’ll want some solid hiking boots, layers, thick socks, a first aid kit, a water bottle, a good backpack, etc. That’ll all depend on whether you’re hiking, camping, or doing more of a sight-seeing-type trip.

What to do if You’re Wanting a Tour of Carlsbad Cavern

If you’re afraid you’ll miss the action and best spots to see, consider booking a tour guide to show you the ropes.

Reservations are recommended for tours guided by a ranger and you can call the same number used for park reservations. It is notable that children 4 and under can’t go on a ranger-guided tour with you.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carlsbad Caverns National Park (@carlsbadcavernsnps)

Sometimes, tours can get a bad reputation for high prices. When it comes to Carlsbad, you’re not going to be breaking the bank. Here are a couple of good options to consider.

King’s Palace Tour

• $8 for adults, $4 for children
• It’s a 1.5-hour tour into the deepest part of the cavern that is open to the public
• It is about 830 feet underneath the desert surface
• Requires some steep hills, other difficult terrain
• Take a look at some cave formations with an expert. This also includes what are called “black-outs.” This is when the ranger will turn off artificial lights to give you a glimpse into the real pitch dark of the cave

Left Hand Tunnel

• Cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for children. You have to be 6 or older and people under 16 need an adult with them
• This is a more difficult option
• It’s a candle-lit lantern tour on an unpaved path
• Make sure you bring good shoes, seeing as it requires some careful steps

Caves fill a special niche in our world. Not just as geologic features, but as places to explore our thoughts. What are your emotions when you walk through big tall passages, like this one inside Ogle Cave? 📷: NPS #CarlsbadCaverns #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #IYCK2022 pic.twitter.com/fZLXo9QLVA — Carlsbad Caverns NPS (@CavernsNPS) March 11, 2022

Slaughter Canyon Cave

• Costs are higher at $15 for adults and $7.50 for children
• Minimum age is 8
• This tour is much longer at 5.5 hours
• Far more strenuous, a full-day event
• Takes you through winding underground trails with only flashlights and headlamps
• You’ll witness the gorgeous 89-foot Monarch, which is one of the tallest columns in the world, and the Christmas Tree, a crystal-decorated column
• $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and over only
• Three-hour-long tour
• Highlights include “The Rookery,” nests of cave pearls, “Colonel Boles Formation,” amazing cave formations
• Perhaps the most exciting highlight so far is a 60-foot descent using ladders and rope

Hall of the White Giant

• $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and up
• Four-hour-long tour
• Time to crawl, kids! Don’t come along if heights and claustrophobia are a problem
• Trail includes climbing ladders, climbing up formations, crawling through passageways, and maneuvering through flowstone
• White Giant and Matlock’s Pinch are the sights to see

Atlas Obsession

A Guide to the Self Guided Tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

During my visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, my mom and I chose to do the self guided tour. Well, I say “chose”, but there wasn’t much of a choice. At the time (November 2021), only one ranger tour was being led. When I looked to buy tickets a month in advance, it had already sold out. If you want a ranger led tour, make sure to book it well in advance as spots are limited and clearly sell out early.

But if you don’t manage to snag a ticket for a ranger led tour, don’t worry. Carlsbad Caverns offers a self guided tour that allows you to explore the caves at your own pace. While it may not be as informative as taking a tour with a ranger, I still had a great time.

Here’s everything that I think you should know before taking the self guided tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Table of Contents

Make a Reservation

Reservations are required to visit Carlsbad Caverns, even if you only plan to do the self guided tour. Hundreds of reservations are available daily, but they come with a timed entry. These timed entries spread out visitors so there aren’t massive groups going through the caves at once. We visited in the middle of November and had no problem making our reservation for the self guided tour the day before. For ranger led tours, you’ll want to book these well in advance. For more information, visit the NPS website .

Reservations for the self guided tour cost $1 per person. When you make your reservation you’ll choose an hour window entry time.

Getting To Carlsbad Caverns

From the city of Carlsbad, head south on Highway 62. Once you hit White’s City (the first city you come to once leaving Carlsbad), turn right and follow the signs to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Expect it to take about 35 to 40 minutes to reach Carlsbad Caverns from the city of Carlsbad.

Once you arrive, you’ll park in the main lot and enter the Visitor Center. Follow the signs to the check in desk and show your reservation.

At this point, you’ll also need to pay your park entry fee which is $15 per person. An America the Beautiful Pass, with a photo ID, is also sufficient. Note that the America the Beautiful Pass can be used for the driver as well as all other passengers in the vehicle. The America the Beautiful Pass does not cover the $1 reservation fee for your timed entry.

So, as an example, my mom and I were traveling together. We paid $1 to make a timed entry reservation for each of us ($2 total). Then when we checked in, we used my America the Beautiful Pass which covered the park entry fee. If we had not had the America the Beautiful Pass, we would have needed to pay $15 per person (or $30 total) to enter Carlsbad Caverns.

A Choice – Hike or Elevator

When you check in at Carlsbad Caverns, you’ll be given a choice for your self guided tour. You can choose to hike in to the caves or take the elevator. The elevator is definitely easier, since you save 1.75 miles of hiking. But the hiking is a bit more adventurous and allows you to see more of the caves. My mom and I chose to hike, and I’ll cover that more in detail shortly.

Taking the Elevator

If you have limited mobility, it’s best to take the elevator. The hike into the cave can be steep at certain parts and it even has stairs at certain points. As much as I recommend hiking in, you need to recognize your own limits. So while you will miss some scenery, you will still get to see some of the awesome formations in the cave if you take the elevator. The elevator will take you straight into the Big Room where you’ll meet up with the people who hiked in.

If you choose to hike in, you’ll exit through the museum and go outside (rangers will direct you where to go). You’ll present your receipt (given to you at check in) to the ranger posted outside the entrance. That ranger will then go over the basic safety information. Now, it’s time to start the adventure on your self guided tour at Carlsbad Caverns.

The entire hike into the caves and to the start of the Big Room (where you’ll meet the people who took the elevator) is 1.75 miles and has an overall descent of 700 feet. Since we were hiking downhill, we found this to be pretty easy. Plus once you get further into the cave, you’ll want to stop to take plenty of pictures. It took my mom and I just over an hour to get from the Visitor Center to the Big Room. We could have gone faster, but we stopped for plenty of photos as we walked.

Along the way, you’ll pass loads of informational signs, teaching you about the history of the caves. You can also get an audioguide that can give you information as well, but since we did not do this, I can’t really speak to it.

The Big Room

Once at the Big Room, it’s mostly flat. It’s another 1.75 miles to walk all of the pathways in the Big Room, although it should be noted that not all of the paths are wheelchair accessible. Signs are posted for when wheelchair users should turn around.

The Big Room is full of several different areas, although some parts are cooler than others. Fairyland was definitely our favorite though. Wander and tour the various rock formations.

If you’ve hiked down, you may be losing steam. Once we were about halfway through the Big Room, we started to get bored. Don’t get me wrong, it was very cool, but there’s only so many rock formations you can look at before it starts to feel long winded. Still, we finished the entire loop so we could get the absolute most out of our $1 reservation fee.

Back to the Top

At the end of the Big Room, there’s a small gift shop. Once unique item is their postcards which they can mail for you from within the caves.

Regardless of how you got into the caves, everyone takes the elevator out. Thank goodness, because I would not have wanted to hike those steep hills back out of the cave! Your self guided tour of Carlsbad Caverns ends as you exit the elevator at the main level in the Visitor Center.

How Long Do You Need?

At minimum you’ll want to give yourself two hours to do the self guided tour at Carlsbad Caverns, if you plan to hike in. If you plan to take the elevator, you may only need one hour. But there is no limit to when you have to come out (except for when the park closes).

When To Do This

The cave is constant 56 degrees all year round, so the weather outside doesn’t need to influence your plans. Instead focus on what else may be going on at the park. If you visit between April and September, you could see the bat flight program.

We visited in November and had low crowds and a great time.

Final Thoughts

As an independent traveler, I appreciated the option for a self guided tour at Carlsbad Caverns. It allowed my mom and I to go at our own pace. We stopped for plenty of photos in the beginning, but by the end, we were kind of over it. Although part of it may have been we misread the information and thought we had a one mile hike in and a one mile hike through the Big Room so our expectations were off.

A few months earlier, my mom and I toured Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky. While both caves were cool, I think I preferred my overall experience at Mammoth Caves more. Carlsbad Caverns had more “wow!” rock formations, but taking the ranger led tours at Mammoth Caves really helped to give more context to what we were looking at.

So maybe, I would feel differently had we taken a ranger led tour at Carlsbad Caverns. But I have no regrets about visiting. I am especially glad we chose to hike in, as that’s where my mom and I had the most fun.

Continue Your Adventure

New Mexico : Carlsbad Caverns is one of two national parks in New Mexico. The other is White Sands National Park near Alamogordo.

Texas : Just a short drive from Carlsbad Caverns is Guadalupe Mountains National Park .

Itineraries : In one five day road trip , you can visit White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks.

More Caves : If you’re interested in touring caves, you have to add Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park to your bucket list.

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The Happiness Function

Carlsbad caverns: plan a day touring the cave and hiking.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to unique and awe-inspiring geological formations, including one of the largest underground cave systems in North America. You can explore these caverns on your own or take a guided tour, which will give you an even more in-depth understanding of the history and geology of the area. There are other activities available at the park, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Did you know Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? The park is home to one of the most well-preserved and accessible Karst systems in the world , which is part of the reason it is listed as a World Heritage site. Karst systems have multiple caves, sinkholes, and springs.

Lechuguilla is the largest cave here and the fourth largest cave in the USA . To date, over 145 miles have been mapped out.

Carlsbad Karst System Geology

The caves themselves were formed over millions of years – but not because of the typical erosive action of water on limestone bedrock. The Carlsbad karst system was formed by hydrogen sulfide-rich water mixing with rainwater, which then formed sulfuric acid. The acid actually dissolved the Capitan limestone.

Today, the karst system provides scientists with an invaluable record of the Earth’s history, and visitors can enjoy its beauty. The caverns are home to a wide variety of mineral formations and speleothems (cave formations), including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, popcorn, and draperies. The caves also provide a habitat for several specialized cave creatures, such as bats.

Check out more New Mexico articles: Best Adventure Day Trips From Santa Fe How To Spend the Perfect Day at Bandelier National Monument

Carlsbad Caverns Itinerary

The itinerary below can help give you an idea of planning a nice day at the park.

• Reserve a cave tour time slot ahead of time at recreation.gov .
• Arrive at the park visitor center before 8 am.
• Purchase cave tour tickets (or use an America the Beautiful pass) for reserved tour time.
• If it’s summer, hike the surface trails early in the day to beat the summer heat. The rest of the year, you can hike any time of day.
• Do a self-guided cave tour mid-morning or early afternoon.
• If it’s summer, watch the bat flight program at dusk. The program is seasonal. More on the bats below.
• Stay after dark for the night sky program.
• Head back to Carlsbad to sleep and eat – or head to Guadalupe National Park to camp and explore.

Things To Do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The caves are a popular destination for spelunkers and cavers from all over the world. Along with touring the cave system, there are miles of surface hiking trails, a bat flight program, and a night sky program.

Explore the Caverns

Reservations.

Reservations are required to enter the cave and cannot be made at the park. The reservation system only reserves your time slot, and it does not include the entry ticket fee , which is purchased at the visitor center.

Be sure to make tour time slot reservations online at recreation.gov before your trip.

Fees & Passes

Driving into Carlsbad Caverns to park and walk around does not require a park entrance fee (like other national parks).

To do the self-guided cave tours, there are fees:

• Adults (16 and over): $15 per person
• Children (15 and under): FREE

The cave entrance fees are covered if you have the annual America the Beautiful National Park Pass.

For more questions on fees, visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park website .

Self-Guided Tours

One of the best parts about exploring Carlsbad Caverns is that there are options for self-guided tours so visitors can explore at their own pace.

Why We Love Visiting: The self-guided tours stood out for us – we have been to other national park caves that only offered guided tours.

Natural Entrance Trail

The Natural Entrance Trail self-guided tour is awesome. The trail starts on the surface and leads you 750 feet down a path into the cave. Once you get into the cave, the path has lighting, so there is no need to bring a headlamp. It takes a while for the eyes to adjust, so take your time.

Be sure to read the signs along the route to see famous landmarks inside the cave, such as Devil’s Spring, Iceberg Rock, and the Whale’s Mouth.

If you hike from the surface down into the cave, you’ll take the elevator out at the end. The trail ends at the Big Room Trail. More on the Big Room Trail next – and you can walk both trails on the same day.

• Distance : 1.25 mile
• Tour timing: about 1 hour
• Things to consider : Wear hiking shoes; the descent is steep and not recommended for people who have trouble going downhill.
• Best way to hike: Hike from the surface down into the cave, so you’re walking downhill. If you go the opposite way, you’ll be hiking uphill from the elevator, which will be more strenuous.

Big Room Trail

The Big Room Trail is one of the most popular self-guided tours. It was called “The Grand Canyon with a roof over it” by actor Will Rogers.

• Distance : 1.25 miles, or you can take a shorter route and enjoy a 0.6-mile walk.
• Tour timing: About 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Things to consider : Wear hiking shoes. Some of the route is handicap accessible.
• Best way to view: Take the elevators down into the cave if you’re not hiking in from the surface and Natural Entrance Trail.

Bat Flight Program

Another great thing to do at Carlsbad Caverns is to watch the bats emerge from the cave in the summer at dusk.

Hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats fly out of the cave to search for food, and you can watch them fly out the mouth of the cave. There is seating at the amphitheater located near the Natural Entrance.

The bats migrate, so this is a seasonal event typically occurring from May to October . The best time to see the bats is in August and September after all the summer bat pups are born, and the colony is at its largest.

No reservations are required to watch. Electronic devices are not allowed to protect the bats. So, no pictures to share here.

Surface Hiking Trails Through the Desert

There are miles and miles of surface trails inside the park boundaries. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the Chihuahuan Desert and parts of the Guadalupe Mountains.

There are a handful of great trails that start near the visitor center . The trails that lead to and from the visitor center close temporarily for the bat flight program every evening. Spring is a great time to visit to see the cactus bloom.

If you’re hiking in the summer, be mindful of the harsh desert heat. It is best to walk early in the summer and not very far. There is no shade in this area.

Do you need help thinking about what type of hiking clothes to pack? Find out exactly what to wear hiking all year long .

Rattlesnake Springs

If you have time to burn, waiting for your tour to start, check out Rattlesnake Springs . It is a riparian oasis in the middle of the desert. The springs are located on the southwest side of the park. There is a homestead ranch with some of the original irrigation systems where you can see how they collected spring water. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can’t go swimming here .

You’ll have to drive away from the visitor center to visit this part of the park. Pack your lunch and have a picnic.

Night Sky Programs

The park also offers night sky programs. Once it gets dark, visitors can take a guided tour with a park ranger. Depending on the time of year, there are scheduled night sky walks to explore with a ranger.

The night sky programs are first-come, first-serve.

The night sky is unbelievable out here.

How To Get To Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Driving to the cave feels like you’re going to the middle of nowhere (literally). Carlsbad Caverns is actually 25-30 minutes southwest of the town of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Take US-180 W out of town to White’s City. Turn off the highway and follow a 7-mile drive to the visitor center.

Since it is a national park, the roads are well-marked.

Google Maps did get us there easily.

The visitor center address is: 727 Carlsbad Caverns Highway, Carlsbad, NM 88220.

Visitor Center – The visitor center is open from 8 am to 5 pm.

Cave Tickets – The last cavern entrance tickets are sold at 2:15 pm.

Cave Entrance – Is permitted from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, and you have to be out by 4:30 pm.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Although dogs are not allowed on the unpaved trails, inside the cave, inside the visitor center, or to watch the bats, there is a kennel service to leave your pet while you tour the cave.

It costs $15 per day (per pet). The service is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Check out the Carlsbad Caverns kennel service for more information if you’re traveling with your fur baby. We love how this creates a safe and inclusive experience for people and their pets while traveling.

Best Time of Year To Visit

The park is open year-round. So you can visit year-round.

We visited in February, and there were no crowds, and the weather was perfect for hiking.

Spring is the best time to see all the desert flowers.

Summers do get super-hot (dry heat), so consider the heat if planning to camp and hike.

Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns

If planning to camp here, keep in mind that Carlsbad Caverns National Park does not have a campground . No overnight RV parking is allowed in the parking lot, either.

There are some options for primitive camping on BLM Land nearby. You’ll want to do a little research ahead of time. Get more information from the Carlsbad BLM Field Office .

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 30-45 minutes away across the Texas border, and there is some camping there as well.

Are you new to camping on BLM land? We’ve got you covered! Check out our article about camping on BLM land and learn more about backcountry camping etiquette.

Lodging Near Carlsbad Caverns

The hotels closest to Carlsbad Caverns will be in the town of Carlsbad. There is no lodging within the park.

There is a good selection of chain hotels to choose from in the town of Carlsbad.

If you like quaint and cozy boutique hotels, check out:

The Trinity Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel with a restaurant inside. The hotel is within a renovated building from the 1800s. They also have good food, and the hotel has a classy ambiance.

Fiddler’s Inn – A country chic boutique bed and breakfast with outstanding reviews. It has a cute courtyard, and breakfast is included.

Where To Eat

There are some decent local places to eat in Carlsbad, especially if you like TexMex. We love TexMex.

If you don’t like to eat in restaurants, there are a few large chain grocery stores like Walmart and Albertsons so you can buy groceries and prepare your own food, get ice for the cooler, and stock up on water. We actually mostly travel like this – so we are always on the lookout for the grocery store.

We talk more about how we afford to travel so much in this article – if you’d like to read more!

Other Things To Consider While Planning

Carlsbad, New Mexico, is an oilfield boom town which means there is a lot of truck traffic . Be mindful when driving the highways and back roads. Once you leave town, the area is remote and rural, and cell phone reception can be spotty.

Sometimes, it can be hard to find camping and places to stay because there is such a large influx of transient people working in the area, so consider potential crowds when planning accommodations.

Summers can be triple-digit hot – as in 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to plan for that kind of weather.

And, as we said earlier, the area is rural . So, find the nearest grocery store and get groceries if you want to have a picnic and bring snacks to hike and road trip with. Also, get fuel.

There is a Walmart in Carlsbad. That is where we stopped to get groceries.

Travel safe! Find out 5 things we never road trip without .

If you’re on a road trip to visit multiple national parks, the America the Beautiful pass pays for itself quickly. We highly recommend purchasing one.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park

We visited the park in February, and the weather was terrific. It was sunny and long-sleeve shirt weather. We hiked some of the trails around the visitor center and enjoyed the self-guided tour from the Natural Entrance into the Big Room. There were no crowds in February.

We thought the self-guided tour from the Natural Entrance was awesome . It should be on everyone’s national park bucket list. It was such a cool adventure to walk into the cave like that. Be sure to check out the Natural Entrance Trail if you visit.

We missed the bats because they had migrated south.

The night sky in the area is incredible. So if you’re into night photography, you’ll get some great images. You don’t have to do the program at the park to appreciate the night sky here.

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park pairs well with a trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas or Roswell, New Mexico.

The International UFO Museum and Research Center is fun to check out in Roswell. I love all things aliens and UFOs, so I thought a visit to the UFO Museum was a great detour. Roswell is an hour and 40 minutes away. Roswell is a quirky small town – it is fun to see all the little green alien signs everywhere.

Plan to spend at least a day at Carlsbad Caverns NP to explore.

Thanks for reading.

Ashlee & Pablo

Get More New Mexico Guides:

• Best Adventure Day Trips From Santa Fe
• How To Spend the Perfect Day at Bandelier National Monument

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Ashlee Fechino

16 comments.

I am now sorry that we missed visiting Carlsbad Caverns when we were in New Mexico. I think I would like to take a tour and learn more about these fascinating geological formations. I would pass on the bat flight program but staying for the night sky program sounds great.

Linda – You’ll have to visit Carlsbad Caverns the next time you are in New Mexico. It is a cool place to explore. We really love that you can tour the cave at your own pace.

Oh these are very impressive! it reminds me a cave that I visited few months ago in Georgia! thanks for this article I’m always happy to discover new places! well done!

Lasma – Thanks for sharing about your cave experience in Georgia. We totally agree – it is so fun to discover new places.

Carlsbad Caverns is such a cool place. I visited a good 25 years ago. I’m sure it has changed a lot but I do remember how beautiful were the cave formations. I would have loved to see the bats fly out. Hope to go back again someday.

Hi Ildiko! We loved reading your comment. I wonder how much has changed since then. We hope you can make it back someday. Thanks for reading.

The coolest thing Carlsbad Caverns National Park has to offer is self-guided cave tours! It’s really not usual and looks so interesting

Hi there – we totally agree with you! We thought the same. Thanks for stopping by our blog.

Great recommendations! I love exploring caves and the NPS always does a great job!

Hi Jennifer! We totally agree. Thanks for reading our blog. Have a great summer!

I would love to see the bats take flight or participate in a night walk. There is something so calm and peaceful about the night sky, especially when in an area with less pollution.

Hi Alaina – bat flights are so cool! We saw them in Austin, TX a few years ago and it was really neat to see. And we agree – we love being in places with no light pollution. Seeing the night sky is incredible.

I’d never heard of this place until now, how cool! The Big Room Trail looks amazing, and I can see what it’s popular. I have a fear of bats so would skip the night flight part lol

Hi Laura – Carlsbad Caverns is a must-see if you’re visiting New Mexico. It is really neat to see. You can totally skip the bats! Thanks for reading our blog. Happy travels!

Our parents took our family to Carlsbad Cave one time ago. It was great !!.

I’m glad you’guys got to see it.

Hi Uncle Burt – thanks for sharing. I wonder how much the area has changed since then. Thanks for stopping by!

Adventure is not a hobby, it’s a lifestyle!

Carlsbad Caverns King’s Palace Tour: What to Expect

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico has some of the largest caves in North America. Over 100 and still counting limestone caves and passageways can be found here. At this time, there are only two sections that are open to the public, the Big Room and King’s Palace. The Big Room is the only one that you can visit on your own. For King’s Palace, you will need to join a Ranger Tour. King’s Palace Tour at Carlsbad Caverns is a 1.5-hour ranger-guided tour that would take you 830ft underground, through 4 chambers full of beautiful and interesting cave formations. If you’re visiting Carlsbad Caverns, you need to do this!

Tips and Important Info for King’s Palace Tour at Carlsbad Caverns

How long is the tour.

The tour is 1.5 hours and you will have to walk for 1 mile through the four chambers. The trail is paved with some steep descending and ascending.

How Much Does It Cost?

At this time, The King’s Palace Tour costs $8/adult and $4/child. Besides the King’s Palace Tour ticket, you will also need the general admission ticket which is $1 as well as the park entrance fee ($15/person). The $1 general admission ticket will allow you to access the awesome Big Room before and after your King’s Palace Tour. The park entrance fee is required to enter the park and will be waived if you have the Interagency Pass. So if you don’t have the Interagency Pass, you will be paying $24/person or $9/person if you do have the pass .

How Do I Get My Ticket?

There are only 24 spots available with 12 of those reservable online. The other 12 are reserved for walk-ins. If you can, we recommend getting your reservations in advance. You can do so by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting Recreation.gov . Pro-tip : The online reservation is only available a month in advance and can be booked up very quickly. If you can’t get your reservation, try getting to the park as soon as it opens and try your luck there. We were able to get our tickets this way.

If you’re reserving your ticket online, you will be paying $1 to reserve your spot. Then, you’ll have to pay the additional $8 park entrance fee when picking up your tour ticket at the visitor center. You’ll need to do so at least 30 minutes before the tour.

Other Info You Need to Know

• The rangers usually conduct blackouts where they briefly turn off all the lights. The cave will be in complete darkness. We think it’s a pretty cool feature of this tour but you might not enjoy it.
• Bring a jacket – at a constant 56 degrees, it’ll get cold.
• Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes – Although the trail is paved, it can be steep at certain areas. You will need these shoes for exploring the Big Room after this too.
• Speaking of the Big Room, you will be able to explore this beautiful place before and after your tour. And we highly recommend you do so. It is amazing!

The Adventure

Meeting up with the ranger.

Our Carlsbad Caverns King’s Palace Tour starts at 1:30 pm, which gives us plenty of time to hike down to the meeting point via the Natural Entrance trail. The meeting point is near the elevator in the Big Room. You can either hike down using the Natural Entrance trail or by the elevator at the Visitor Center. 

Our group gathered at the meeting point as Ranger Topher went over some rules as well as an introduction about Carlsbad Caverns. After that, Ranger Topher proceeded to lead our group toward the gated entrance of King’s Palace. From here, we followed the paved path, descending a steep hill before reaching the first chamber of the tour. At this point, we’re about 830ft deep underground.

Getting Down to the Carlsbad Caverns King’s Palace

In the Big Room, the trail has a railing along it. Therefore, even though you’re very close to all the rock formations, it feels impersonal. At King’s Palace, the path has no railings. It weaves through towering stalagmites and stalactites columns and ducks under giant draperies. This way, it felt like we were the early explorer, exploring Carlsbad Caverns back then.

It was crazy that even though we already had our minds blown away by the beauty of the Big Room tour earlier, the King’s Palace still took our breath away. This place feels like an art museum created by Mother Nature, and all the pieces are exquisitely sculpted by magic. Even though they all have the typical cave geology names such as columns, draperies, popcorns, soda straws, or flowstone, they are so much more than that. It’s hard to describe how special this place is.

The Blackout

Along the way, Ranger Topher stopped multiple times to show us all the interesting formations and features of King’s Palace. Topher also gave us a lot of insights about the caverns. Near the end of the tour, Topher asked if we were ready to see how dark the cave could get. Then, she led us into the King Chamber and proceeded to turn off all the artificial lighting. Suddenly, the cave plunged into complete darkness.

As if everyone agreed ahead of time, we all held our breath. For a few minutes there, we could feel the coldness of the cave creeping in. The sound of water dripping also seemed a lot louder, echoing through the cave. It was such a weird feeling. I don’t think we had even been in that complete stillness before.

After a few minutes, Ranger Topher lit a small lantern that she had with her. Under the flickering light, the cave became ominous. It was crazy to think that all the beautiful sculpted limestones that we saw under the bright light would become so threatening. We couldn’t imagine how all the first recorded explorers, explored these caves with just a small lantern or torch. The cave felt so vast and scary. And if they lost their only light source, they probably couldn’t find the way out.

The Rest of the Tour

With the lights on, we were able to appreciate how wondrous the inside of this chamber is. These chambers such as the Queen or the King Chambers are massive galleries of draped stone curtains and columns. Some of them remind us of melting candles, chandeliers, greek columns, flowy fabric, or our favorite, an elephant’s butt. Every surface of the King’s Palace is roughened, embellished, or tasseled with more stones. These stones are bent and curved as if they were alive and would move with just a gust of wind.

If you haven’t visited Carlsbad Caverns yet, we highly recommend making a trip here. And don’t forget to do the King’s Palace tour. It is very worth it! If you’re looking for more things to do, check out White Sands National Park . It’s not that far from here and it’s another unique spot.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on  Instagram  and subscribe to our  Youtube channel ! We’ll love you forever!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our  Recommended Gear section as well. 

adventure gear

This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version .

Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes

There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.

Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.

You should bring plenty of water on your hikes. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E .

For shorter hikes, the  Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials. 

Sedona can get very cold in the winters and springs. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here , and Dustin’s version here .

If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

camera gear

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The Ultimate Guide to Carlsbad Caverns National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

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Where Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park stretches over 46,766 acres of land, including deserts, caves, and forests. This national park is in southeastern New Mexico and part of the Guadalupe Mountains. Each year, nearly half a million visitors come to this national park to explore the caverns and the surrounding desert land that makes up the park. This remarkable park has an incredible natural and cultural history just waiting for you to explore. 

How To Get to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in Carlsbad, New Mexico. This park is part of the Guadalupe Mountains in the southeastern part of the state. This national park is on an arid plateau in the Chihuahuan Desert and features a mesmerizing cave system. 

There are several airport options for visitors coming to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Each airport will have a bit of a drive to the park entrance. Let’s take a look at some of the options for flying into the Carlsbad Caverns National Park area. 

Cavern City Air Terminal (CNM)

Cavern City Air Terminal is a public-use airport in Carlsbad. This airline is only a 15-minute drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  Cavern City Air Terminal exclusively services Boutique Air and offers flights to and from Albuquerque (ABQ) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). 

CNM doesn’t have as many flights and airlines as some of the international airports. Still, it could be a great option for connecting flights to the Carlsbad area. This might be one of the best ways to maximize your travel time to the park.

El Paso International Airport (ELP)

El Paso International Airport is the closest major airport to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This airport is 145 miles away from the park, and it takes 2 hours and 15 minutes to drive to the park. 

ELP offers nonstop flights to many U.S. destinations, including Atlanta (ATL), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), and Phoenix (PHX). Airlines serviced by this airport include American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United.

There are several options at El Paso International Airport for rental cars to help you to make it through the last leg of your journey to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Payless. 

El Paso International Airport offers many flights and airlines, making it an excellent choice for visitors choosing to fly into the Carlsbad Caverns National Park area.

While it is a longer distance from the park than others, it is well worth the drive as it has so much to offer than the other regional options.

Roswell Air Center (ROW)

Roswell Air Center is located in Roswell, New Mexico. This airport is 1.5 hours from Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

ROW offers flights to and from Roswell from Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX) exclusively with American. Even though Roswell Air Center has limited airlines and flight options, this could be an excellent option for traveling to Carlsbad Caverns National Park as it is one of the closest options available. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has only 1 entrance road, which is located on the Carlsbad Caverns Highway. The Carlsbad Caverns Highway is accessed from U.S. Highway 62/180. The entrance road is a 7-mile scenic drive from Whites City to the visitor center.

One of the most stressful parts of any vacation is planning your travels. For visitors who want to let someone else take care of the stress of driving, a bus is an excellent option for arriving at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Greyhound services the Carlsbad area . The closest stations to Carlsbad Caverns are just a short 5-minute walk away. Let someone else take care of the stress of driving and reserve your tickets for your bus journey to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

The only way to get around Carlsbad Caverns National Park is on foot. Guest will park their vehicles at the visitor center, and the rest of the time in the park will be spent on foot. The National Park Service offers printable and interactive maps on its website to help you plan your park excursions.

What To See and Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

While most people come to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore the caves, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at this national park. From Night Sky Programs to watching bats flee from their nests, there’s something every visitor at this park. Let’s explore the top activities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

The Bat Flight Program is an amazing event for visitors to experience at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This program takes place each night from early spring to the middle of October. The Bat Flight Program offers visitors a spectacular view of 200,000 to 500,000 bats leaving the cave as they head out to hunt for the night. This is a free event that takes place at the Bat Flight Amphitheater.

Be sure to plan to experience this incredible event when you visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park for unforgettable memories.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which is an incredible place to view the night sky .

Throughout the year, park rangers offer night sky talks and hikes from July to October. Some of the sights that can be seen include the Perseids meteor shower, the supermoon, the Draconids meteor shower, and the International Space Station.

Participating in one of the night sky programs at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an exciting way to experience the wonders of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

Ranger-guided tours are offered throughout the year, but the best selection of these tours is offered during the summer months. The majority of the ranger-guided tours take visitors through the caverns. Some of the popular tours include Lower Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Slaughter Canyon Cave, and the King’s Palace.

There are additional fees involved with ranger-guided tours through the cave, and reservations can be made in advance. Exploring the caverns with a ranger is the best way to learn about how this cavern was formed, the animals that live in it, and its history. 

There are 2 trails for self-guided tours through Carlsbad Caverns. Exploring these trails on your own is an exciting way to discover the beauty of the cave formations and allows you to experience what cave exploration might have been like long ago. 

The first trail is the Big Room Trail. This is the most popular route as it provides sensational views, an up-close look at cave formations of all sizes, and even a rope ladder that was used in 1924 by explorers. This trail is 1.25 miles long and takes about an hour and a half to walk it. There’s even a shorter option which is about 45 minutes long that takes guests to the Big Room, should you be in a time crunch. 

The other trail available for self-guided tours is the Natural Entrance Trail. This trail is 1.25 miles long and very steep. This trail will lead visitors on the same path as the early explorers and take you to see formations including Devil’s Spring, Iceberg Rock, and the Whale’s Mouth. Self-guided tours allow you to explore the cave at your own pace. These tours are an incredible way to experience Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

The visitor center is a great starting point for your Carlsbad Caverns National Park adventure. The visitor center features hands-on exhibits that explain the formation of the caverns, teach about the animals and plants of the park, as well as share the history of the park. The visitor center also has a park film, gift shop, restaurant, and bookstore should you want to grab a bite to eat or a souvenir to take home with you. 

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Most people are excited to see the famous bats that make their home in the park, but there is also a wide variety of other animals that call this park home. 

There are 67 types of mammals in the park, close to 400 bird species, and several other types of animals like reptiles and insects. Some of the animals you are likely to see when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park include bats, ringtails, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, and sheep. 

For those who enjoy birdwatching, head over to Rattlesnake Springs. This desert wooded area has been declared an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society, meaning it is a spectacular place to watch the birds that live in the park area. 

Wildlife viewing is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle and enjoy the animals in their natural habitat.

Best Times To Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, you can rest assured that you will have an incredible experience. Still, if there are certain sights or activities you’d like to participate in, there may be a better time than others to plan your visit.

If you want to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park when the weather is ideal, plan to visit during the month of April. With temperatures at a comfortable 73 degrees during the day and typically just 1 day of rain for the entire month, April is the best month to enjoy the park. This is also a great time to view wildlife, and the crowds haven’t started up just yet. April is, overall, an incredible month to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Exploring a national park without having to deal with crowds and traffic is an ideal way to experience a new place. If you hope to avoid crowds when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you should plan to come in the month of January. There are fewer crowds right after the holidays, and the colder weather tends to deter visitors. Plan your trip in the month of January for a solitary experience you’ll remember forever. 

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. There is a wide variety of animals to see both in the cave and on the land. For the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, the best month to visit to see the animals that make their home in this national park is in May. It is an especially good time to see the bats that migrate to the park.

Traveling always brings extra expenses, but there are times when you can travel to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and save money at the same time. A trip in the month of January can save quite a bit of money. This month is still in the low season, where visitors aren’t as likely to come.

January temperatures also deter visitors since it can be quite chilly, with lows averaging 31 degrees and high temperatures reaching 54 degrees. Since this is the low season, you will also find lower prices on flights and accommodations.

A trip to Carlsbad National Park in the month of January is a great way to have an experience of a lifetime while going easy on your budget.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a long list of programs on a regular schedule throughout the year. There are also several events that take place on an annual basis both in and near the park. Check out some of the popular events that happen in Carlsbad Caverns National Park to see if you would like to plan your visit around one of them. 

CavernFest takes place each year in the city of Carlsbad, near the park. This 2-day event takes place each year in June and has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

The biggest draw to CavernFest is the live music featuring headliners and up-and-coming groups and artists. Food enthusiasts love CavernFest, as there are over 30 food trucks serving unique culinary creations from around the world.

There is also a beer garden, over 100 vendors, inflatables, and tournaments for cornhole and volleyball. There is so much to do and see at CavernFest that you may just want to plan your Carlsbad Caverns National Park visit so that you can experience this exciting event at the same time. 

Dawn of the Bats

Dawn of the Bats takes place on the third Saturday of July each year at the Bat Flight Amphitheater in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This free event is a time when visitors can see the return of the Brazilian free-tailed bats from their migration.

During Dawn of the Bats, the park offers bat-related activities during the day at the visitor center , and at the end of the day, visitors will gather at the Bat Flight Amphitheater for the Bat Flight Program.

This event is a spectacular sight that the whole family can enjoy at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you are able to plan your trip and participate in the Dawn of the Bats, you will leave with memories to last a lifetime. 

National Park Week

National Park Week is celebrated throughout the nation each year in April. Carlsbad Caverns National Park celebrates National Park Week with additional programs, activities, and workshops. When visiting the park during this week, you also have the chance to see Carl S. Bat, the resident bat mascot, in different areas of the park.

Another added bonus of visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park during National Park Week is that all of the entry fees are waived, allowing a completely free experience. Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park during National Park Week will allow for special experiences that can’t be enjoyed during any other time of the year. 

Where To Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are very few options for lodging in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, so it’s either primitive camping or setting up a home base in one of the nearby communities. There’s a perfect solution for your accommodation needs in or near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The only option for lodging in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is to set up camp for the night and sleep under the stars.

There are no developed campgrounds in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, so the only option for those wanting to stay inside the park is to camp in the backcountry. For those who choose primitive camping as their lodging, a free permit must be obtained at the visitor center upon arrival. Camping in the great outdoors is an exciting way to experience the natural beauty of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

There are 2 towns that make great places to stay near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Both towns are nearly an hour and a half away from the park.

Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad is about 50 miles from the park and has several options for lodging, dining, and recreation. There is a variety of accommodations, including family-owned bed and breakfasts, chain hotels budget, friendly motels, and campgrounds. No matter which style of lodging you prefer, you will find exactly what you’re looking for in Carlsbad. 

The dining scene is a treat, with several locally-owned restaurants, bars, and cafes around the city. Some favorite restaurants include barbecue joints, authentic Mexican restaurants, and steakhouses. There are also several chain fast food options, should you need to grab something in a hurry. 

Carlsbad is in an incredible location for visitors who enjoy adventure. There are numerous opportunities to hike, sightsee, swim, and explore in this town. It’s also in close proximity to 2 national parks, a national forest, several state parks, and the Pecos River.

Carlsbad makes an excellent home away from home during your Carlsbad Caverns National Park vacation. It’s got everything you need and more for a fantastic trip.

Whites City, New Mexico

Whites City is about 80 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This city is an awesome place to set up a base camp during your national park vacation. Whites City has a few options for lodging, including RV parks and campgrounds, a lovely resort, and budget-friendly motels. Whether you want to sleep under the stars or under a roof, there is something for every traveler.

There are several places to eat, including authentic cultural restaurants and locally-owned diners. If you can’t find what you are craving, you are in close proximity to other towns with more options. 

For recreation, Whites City is in a wonderful location for cave tours, scenic drives, and nature and wildlife tours. From hiking to biking, from fishing to swimming, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. With its convenience to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and several options for lodging, dining, and recreation, Whites City is an excellent choice for a home base during your vacation.

Where to Eat In and Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park

There are a couple of options for dining in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and several places nearby. No matter if you want to eat within the park’s boundaries or if you want to venture further out for more variety, you can find the perfect solution to what you crave in and near Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Should you start to get hungry when exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you are in luck, as this national park has a restaurant right inside its visitor center.

Carlsbad Caverns Restaurant serves a variety of hot and cold meals, with excellent customer service and a lovely dining room where you can rest up from your park adventures. Some of the options on the menu include fresh salads, baked fish, quesadillas, veggie burgers, and hot panini sandwiches. 

You can’t ask for a more convenient place to dine than Carlsbad Caverns Restaurant in the visitor center at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This is the perfect place to take a quick break from your explorations, refuel, and get right back to the fun. 

El Jimador is a top-rated restaurant just 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves authentic Mexican cuisine. 

The menu at El Jimador seems endless and features Mexican favorites like burritos, nachos, fajitas, and signature dishes that will satisfy every palate. Customers rave about the specialty burritos, sizzling fajitas, and margaritas. El Jimador is a great place to enjoy a fantastic meal, listen to live local music, and recuperate from your park adventures. 

Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company is a highly-ranked restaurant just 17 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This family-owned brewery is located in Carlsbad and offers a family-friendly environment featuring live music and an exceptional menu.

The fantastic menu features brick oven pizzas, sub sandwiches, paninis, salads, and appetizers. Some of the favorite dishes of locals and tourists include the New Mexico Green Chile Chicken Pizza, the Extreme Nachos, and the Create Your Own Pizzas. 

Those who love a cold glass of beer are in for a treat at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company. The brewery features 12 taps of delicious craft beer for you to try. For an incredible meal and relaxing environment, be sure to stop in at Guadalupe Mountain Brewing Company during your trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The Lucky Bull is a favorite restaurant of locals and tourists in Carlsbad, approximately 20 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open each weekday for lunch and dinner and also has a tap room with an incredible selection of local brews on tap. 

This top-ranked restaurant is an American bar that serves creative dishes with a Southwestern flair. The menu features high-quality hand-cut steaks, sizzling burgers, and massive nacho entrees. Favorite dishes include the Pecos Valley Poutine, the hand-cut rib eye steak, and the hand-battered country-fried steak.

The Lucky Bull offers karaoke nights and trivia nights and features live music on a regular schedule. Be sure to drop by while visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park for an amazing meal and a fun time.

Yellow Brix Restaurant is 20 miles down the road from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and serves authentic, homemade food made to order with top-quality ingredients.

There’s something for every palate at Yellow Brix, including tapas, sandwiches, soups, and salads. This restaurant also has an impressive wine and beer menu. Some of the dishes loved by locals and visitors alike include chicken cordon bleu, BRIX meatloaf, tenderloin carne asada, and the green chile cheeseburger. Whatever you find yourself craving, you can find exactly what your tastebuds need at Yellow Brix Restaurant.

With its close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and its extraordinary menu, you will want to add Yellow Brix Restaurant to your itinerary when visiting this part of New Mexico.

1. A New National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as Carlsbad Cave National Monument on October 25, 1923, by President Calvin Coolidge. On May 14, 1930, the park was established as Carlsbad Caverns National Park by Congress. 

2. A Park of Many Caves

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is not composed of a single cave but of many caves. At this time, there are over 120 caves that have been discovered in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This number continues to grow as research and exploration continues. 

3. The Cave’s First Explorer

Settlers didn’t know about the cave until 1868 when a 16-year-old cowboy named Jim White saw a huge mass of bats rise from the desert hills. He assumed they came from a cave and went to see where the bats were coming from. He lowered himself into the cave on a homemade ladder and began exploring the underground cavern. When he shared his newfound knowledge of the cave with the locals, they didn’t believe him. 

4. First Tours

Eventually, curious visitors wanted to see this mysterious cave. Jim White began the first tours in Carlsbad Caverns. He lowered guests into the cave in a large guano bucket. Today, the park has an elevator available to lower visitors 750 feet into the cavern in the exact spot. 

5. The Big Room

The Big Room was named by Jim White and is a massive limestone chamber that features mesmerizing stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations. The Big Room is large enough that 6 football fields could be held in it. The Big Room Tour is one of the most popular tours offered at the park. 

6. National Register of Historic Places

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has 2 districts that are featured on the National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious honor means that the National Park Service will work to preserve the historic district that is located on its property. The 2 districts in Carlsbad Caverns National Park that are on the National Register of Historic Places are the Cavern Historic District and the Rattlesnake Springs Historic District . The park museum contains around a million cultural artifacts that are being protected and preserved.

7. Original People of the Park

American Indians lived in the Guadalupe Mountains 12 to 14 thousand years ago. The tribes that once lived in the park boundaries are believed to have been the Zuni Pueblo and the Mescalero Apache . Researchers believe these tribes made their home in the park because they have found several artifacts from them within the park boundaries.

Some of these artifacts include pictographs, cooking pits, and cave paintings. These artifacts are on display at the park for guests who want to learn more about the original people of the park.

8. Largest Caves in Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns is composed of many caves. The largest cave in the park is Lechuguilla Cave . This cave is over 140 miles long and is only accessible today by researchers and explorers. Carlsbad Cavern is a little over 30 miles and is a developed cave open to public tours. This cave is the largest accessible cave chamber in North America .

The other large caves in Carlsbad Caverns National Park include Spider Cave and Slaughter Canyon Cave. Spider Cave is undeveloped and is a little over 3.5 miles long. Slaughter Canyon Cave is 2.3 miles long and is minimally developed. Both of these caves are open for guided adventure tours. 

9. An Abundance of Animals

Many animals live in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The most well-known animal is the bat, but there are several other types of creatures that can be spotted in this national park. There are 67 species of mammals, 17 species of bats, 54 types of amphibians and reptiles, and nearly 400 types of birds that call this park home.

Some of the animals that can be seen in this park include weasels, skunks, otters, shrews, wolves, coyotes, and cave swallows. This is a great park for wildlife viewing as there is such a variety of wildlife that can be spotted in the park.

10. World Heritage Site

In December 1995, Carlsbad Caverns National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

11. Famous Visitors

Many famous people have visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the Obama family and Amelia Earhart. 

12. Record-winning Cave

Carlsbad Caverns National Park holds one of the deepest limestone caves in the U.S. Lechuguilla Cave is the second deepest cave in America , measuring 1,604 feet deep. This cave is also the eighth-longest cave in the world and measures over 140 miles long. 

13. Mesmerizing Formations

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has countless unique formations that will catch your eye and make you wonder. Some of these phenomenal formations include lemon yellow sulfur deposits, hydro magnesite balloons, cave pearls, and 15-foot soda straws. 

14. A Park That’s Gone Batty

Carlsbad Caverns National Park has 17 different species of bats that call the park home. Some of the most significant bat species in the park include the Brazilian free-tailed bat, the cave myotis, the fringed myotis, hoary bats, and eastern red bats. These bats can be seen roosting in different parts of the caverns and flying in and out of the natural entrance. Other areas where these animals can be spotted include trees, rock cliffs, and cracks around the park.

One major concern for the bats in Carlsbad Caverns National Park is white-nose syndrome . This is a deadly fungus that is killing bats around the U.S. Over 7 million bats in America have died due to white-nose Syndrome, so Carlsbad Caverns National Park is making efforts to stop this spread. Be prepared to take precautions upon entering the caverns in order to protect this animal species. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a land of magic and mystery just waiting to be explored. From mesmerizing caverns to dozens of acres of wilderness to explore and from incredible sights in the night sky to bat flight experiences, there’s no shortage of adventure at this national park. Book your trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and discover what brings so many visitors from around the world to this remarkable park. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do the entry fees cost at carlsbad caverns national park.

An entry fee is collected for each individual that enters the park. For visitors ages 16 and older, a fee of $15 is collected. Children age 15 and under can enter the park at no cost.

How many days should I plan to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

It is recommended that visitors spend 4 to 6 hours visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This will allow plenty of time to explore the caverns and the landscape.

What is the weather like at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

The weather varies throughout the year at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The coldest month is January when the low temperatures dip down to the low 30s, and the warmest months are June and July when the high temperatures reach nearly 90 degrees.

Is there Wi-Fi available at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Public Wi-Fi is not available at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Cellular service is limited and unreliable.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Home > USA Parks > Visiting Carlsbad Caverns, the Famous Caves of New Mexico

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns, the Famous Caves of New Mexico

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The largest caverns in North America include a plethora of underground caves and rock formations, but also trails that go through canyon walls and thousands of bats .

These are some of the things that make it worth it to go visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park . And while the caverns are off the beaten path and are not directly on the more classic routes of the American Southwest, anyone planning a trip to New Mexico or North Texas should take the opportunity to go. Located 3 hours from White Sands National Park and 2 hours from El Paso , it is an excellent intermediate stop when traveling between the two states.

Location and Directions

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Proceed on this road to Carlsbad, where you turn right onto US-62, also known as the National Parks Highway . In about twenty minutes you reach a small town called Whites City where the Carlsbad Caverns Highway branches off to the right, leading to the park entrance.

If you are coming from Texas , there are two options. You will either enter New Mexico via US-62 (which is possible either from the west from El Paso or from the east from the rest of the state), or along US-285 if you are coming from the southern part of the state. In either case, you will reach Carlsbad and then follow the directions given above.

The park is open year-round , except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas. The visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but access to the cave is from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. You can only enter the cave within this timeframe, but once inside there is plenty of time to visit.

Those who hike have until 3:30 p.m. to make their way to the exit (so that you can be out by 4:30 p.m. at the latest). Alternatively, visitors also have access to the elevator until 4:45 p.m.

The ticket costs $15 per person , for people 16 years of age and older. Once purchased, the ticket is valid for three days, so it can be used to enter the park more than once if you decide to stay overnight nearby.

Admission is free on five days of the year on special holidays: January 16, April 22, August 4, September 23 and November 11. Since it is a national park, you do not have to pay for a ticket if you have an America The Beautiful Pass.

American the Beautiful Pass Information

To enter the caves, you must reserve the ticket in advance . You pay for your ticket at the entrance (or present your parks card if you have one), but it is mandatory to make a reservation beforehand to enter the caves because only a limited number of people can enter each hour. This reservation costs $1 and is regardless of whether or not you have the America the Beautiful Pass.

Select a time slot

Things to Do in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers one of the most spectacular underground experiences in the United States. The Big Room is the largest and most fascinating chamber in this cave complex and the main reason why so many tourists come here each year. Not to mention Carlsbad Caverns is home to one of the largest bat colonies in the country.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is not just one cave, but rather a complex of more than 120 interconnected caves . They range in size from the enormous Big Room to small, cramped caves with a wide variety of rock formations that make each room different from the others. The majority of the visit is concentrated in the Big Room . It is the largest and most spectacular cave in the park, but not only that: 256 ft high, 623 ft wide, and 0.7 miles long, it is the largest cave in North America . Others are longer (e.g., the cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky), but they do not have such a large hall.

It is in this cave that one can see the most spectacular rock formations in the park, which originated from the passage of acidic underground waters that over millions of years carved out the rocks and created the stalactites and stalagmites dripping from the cave ceiling. Among the most striking formations are the Sword of Damocles, the Temple of the Sun, the Lion’s Tail, and the Rock of Ages . There is even a stalagmite that looks like the Statue of Liberty . Also, not to be missed is the Bottomless Pit – undoubtedly the scariest part of this cave. Other smaller caves branch off from the Big Room, including the Lower Cave and the complex of rooms accessed on the King’s Palace tour , which includes the Queen’s Room and the Indian Newborn Room .

Other beautiful rooms in the complex include the Bell Rope Room (the reason for the name is the presence of a long narrow stalactite that disappears into a hole in the ceiling), the Chocolate Room (a labyrinth of passages that winds above a mud pit), the Green Lake Room (named for the puddle found there and the color given by the malachite stone), and the Guadalupe Room , which is the second largest after the Big Room and is full of stalactites.

In addition, as you enter through the Natural Entrance, you pass through the Bat Cave , where bats sleep hanging from the ceiling, and see numerous interesting formations along the way. Among them, the Devil’s Spring, Whale’s Mouth, Natural Bridge, Hippopotamus Cub, American Eagle, and Three Little Monkeys deserve to be mentioned.

Carlsbad Caverns is famous for being home to a colony of hundreds of thousands of bats. The Mexican free-tailed bat , the species that lives in these caves and is widespread throughout Mexico and the southwestern United States, is small in size and feeds on insects. The colony inhabiting Carlsbad Caverns consists of 200,000 to 500,000 bats , but at certain times they can exceed one million. Every evening from May to October visitors can admire the flight of the bats , which emerge from the caves at dusk and fill the sky hunting for insects. They fly at speeds of up to 25 mph, and their acrobatics are truly fascinating.

Near the entrance to the caves there is an area called the Bat Flight Amphitheatre , in which the Bat Flight Program is held every summer evening. A ranger usually gives a presentation about these tiny flying mammals, their habits and their flight. Participation is free, but to view the bats from this prime location, it is forbidden to bring smartphones, cameras or any other electronic devices that might disturb them. The best time to see them is in late summer , from August to October, because at this time the pups born in early summer begin to fly. This time period is also marked by the arrival of migratory bats that travel here from colonies located further north.

Plan your Visit to Carlsbad Caverns

While in many U.S. parks you can easily get around by car, or go hiking without much difficulty, when it comes to caves and caverns, it requires extra planning. To visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you need to arrive at a certain time of day , have appropriate clothing , and make reservations for your visit . You can either visit the park independently or on ranger-guided tours. Since it is mandatory to book in advance the time of entry, before you arrive, it is good to have a clear idea of what you want to do during your visit.

Because the interior of the caves is very wet, the paths are often wet and slippery. Therefore, you should wear appropriate shoes (not shoes with smooth soles) and should not go into the park wearing sandals or flip-flops. In addition, for some of the ranger-led tours, it is mandatory to wear hiking shoes or boots with lug soles.

The temperature in the cave can be cooler than the temperature outside, especially if you visit the park in summer when the temperature outside is much higher. Inside, the temperature is 55° F, which is constant throughout the year. Therefore, I advise you to dress appropriately to keep you warm when you enter the cave. It should also be borne in mind that the caves are dimly lit, so I recommend you  bring a flashlight , although it is not mandatory, in order to have a fuller experience of the caverns.

There are two ways to enter the caves: either by walking on the Natural Entrance Trail, or, the shorter alternative, via an elevator, known as the Big Room Trail.

• Natural Entrance Trail . This is the more complete trail to the entrance to the caves and descends underground by a steep switchback trail for about one mile until you reach the Big Room. On the way, you will pass through the bat cave and see striking rock formations.
• Big Room Trail . Instead, this route begins with an elevator from the Visitor Center that descends directly to the entrance to the largest cave in the complex, the Big Room. From here you can take a flat mile long trail or an even shorter trail (about 0.6 miles).

Park rangers offer a number of guided tours that you can join if you want to get to the heart of these caves, their history and their best-kept secrets . Some of the most impressive tours include the Lower Cave Tour , which provides access to a deep cave via a ladder, the Spider Cave Tour , which is very challenging and requires climbing and squeezing through narrow passages, or the Hall of the White Giant , which is long and strenuous but equally fascinating.

Then there is the King’s Palace Tour . It is 1 mile long, takes about an hour and a half, and takes place twice a day: at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m . The cost is $8 in addition to the regular entrance fee. Children ages 4 to 16 pay $4, while children younger than 4 are not eligible for this tour. A ranger will lead participants through four chambers to the deepest part of the cave , or at least the area that is accessible to visitors. Thanks to this guided tour one can admire the beauty of the caves, stalactites, stalagmites, and distinctive rock formations. The descent and subsequent ascent are very steep, so it is not recommended for those who have difficulty walking.

Depending on the time period, various tours are either activated or suspended. To find out which tours are currently active, you can check this page on the official website .

Although the major attractions are underground, the park area is extensive and also includes a number of trails on the surface. Starting from the Visitor Center, it is possible to take an 18-mile scenic drive on Reef Top Circle – a loop that provides a sweeping view of the entire area. There is also the option to go hiking on the several marked trails. Here are the main walking trails that start from Reef Top Circle which also have spaces to park near the entrance of the individual trails.

• Walnut Canyon Trail . A short trail that is only 0.1 miles that allows you to reach the overlook of Walnut Canyon in a matter of minutes. The entrance is located in the section of the Carlsbad Cavern Hwy that also corresponds to the Reef Top Circle.
• Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail . This loop trail starts directly from the Visitor Center and also passes by the Bat Flight Amphitheater. It is roughly one mile long and along the way there are signs that provide information about this desert area.
• Lower Rattlesnake Canyon Trail . Rattlesnake Canyon is fascinating and can be visited by taking two routes. The routes start from the same place and they split after 0.87 miles. From the junction, turn left and walk 1.36 miles to Lower Canyon (so a total of about 4 miles round trip).
• Upper Rattlesnake Canyon Trail . If you turn right at the junction instead, you can visit the northern part of the canyon and reach the junction with the Guadalupe Ridge Trail in 2 miles (2.87 miles counting the first 0.87 miles section from the road). It is also possible to make a loop, if you turn right on the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, get to the road and follow it to the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail parking area. In this case, the loop comes to 5.9 miles.
• Guadalupe Ridge Trail . This is a very long trail that continues from here through the Guadalupe Escarpment Wilderness Study Area, crosses the New Mexico-Texas border, and reaches the Guadalupe Mountains National Park . This trail extends for 100 miles, so it is obviously not a day hike, but rather a multi-day hiking route. However, you can always limit yourself to hiking the first section if you want to hike a little longer.
• Juniper Ridge Trail . This trail is about 3 miles long and offers views of the northern area of the park.
• Old Guano Trail . The trail connects Whites City to the entrance to the caves. It is about 4 miles long and was the old dirt road used to transport guano (bat droppings, which are an excellent fertilizer) in the early 1900s.

In addition to the main entrance to the park, the Visitor Center entrance, there is also another entrance that provides access to additional trails . It is located further south Gartersnake Road, past the caves, and a 25-minute drive from Whites City. The main trails in this area are as follows:

• Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail . A trail only 0.6 miles long but is considered difficult because it is very steep. It leads to the entrance of a cave that can only be visited if accompanied by park guides.
• Slaughter Canyon Trail . It starts from the same parking lot as the previous one but is much longer: 5.3 miles (so over 10 miles round trip). It is challenging, but beautiful. It ends on the ridge where it joins the Guadalupe Ridge Trail.
• Yucca Canyon Trail . Accessible via a side road leading to another parking lot, this trail is challenging and climbs quickly up a side canyon to the ridge. The effort is rewarded by the impressive views at the top. It is 7.7 miles long, so if you intend to do it all you have to consider a full day’s hike because round trip it is almost 15 miles with an uphill elevation gain of 1,522 ft.

Near the entrance to the park there is only one motel, White’s City Cavern Inn , which has a restaurant and swimming pool. It is an ideal place to stay if you arrive in the evening and plan to visit the caves for the next day, or if you have to stay overnight here in the evening after your visit.

If you are looking for a wider selection of accommodations as well as restaurants for dining, the best place to spend the night nearby is Carlsbad , a quiet city that offers several overnight options. We recommend, for example, the Comfort Suites Carlsbad . If you prefer not to spend much but still have all the basic amenities, two good options are the Sleep Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area  and the Quality Inn & Suites Carlsbad Caverns Area .

All accommodations in Carlsbad

If you are traveling to southern New Mexico, for example to visit both this park and White Sands National Park , an excellent intermediate stop is Artesia . Two nice and affordable hotels are the Adobe Rose Boutique Inn and La Quinta by Wyndham Artesia .

All accommodations in Artesia

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Andrea Cuminatto

Journalist and traveler. I love seeing new places, but more than anything, I love to meet those who live there.

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10 Best Things to Do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park should be at the top of your list! Situated in southeastern New Mexico, this park is home to incredible underground limestone caverns, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty. There are so many incredible and unique things to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Whether you are a single traveler or traveling with family or friends, there is something for everyone at this unique national park. From cave tours to outdoor activities like hiking, we’ll go over all the wonderful things that Carlsbad Caverns has to offer so you can plan your perfect trip.

Things to Do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a wonderland of natural beauty and subterranean adventures. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply a lover of awe-inspiring scenery, this national park has something to offer.

Descending into the depths of the caverns, you’ll be transported to another world, where stunning formations await. But the fun doesn’t end there; the park is also home to hiking trails and even a bat flight program. With so much to see and explore, let’s get to the list of things to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

1. Take a Scenic Drive

Take a scenic drive to get to the Carlsbad Caverns visitor center and experience the beauty of the area from your car. From panoramic views of the surrounding hills to sweeping vistas of the desert, this drive offers a chance to take in the natural beauty of the desert.

As you make your way through the winding road, keep an eye out for the pullouts and short trails that are dispersed along the route. These stops give you the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore some of the stunning landscapes.

2. Check Out the Visitor Center

If you’re heading to the park, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center. There, you’ll find plenty to do, from watching a video that explains the biology and history of the cave, to exploring exhibits that detail the area’s rich oceanic history and current geology. You’ll also learn about the people who used to live in this area.

When you’re done taking in the educational exhibits, check out the gift shop, which is brimming with unique souvenirs. And if you’re feeling hungry, grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to leave the Visitor Center feeling more connected to this fascinating place.

3. Become a Junior Ranger

One of the absolute best things to do with kids at Carlsbad Caverns is the Junior Ranger program. The fun-filled activity book will keep them engaged during your visit and help them to learn more about the park.

With age-appropriate material, there are activities for all of your children to enjoy. Plus, they will get a sense of accomplishment when they are able to earn their Junior Ranger Badge and take the Junior Ranger Pledge.

Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book and pencil from the visitor center and start exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you want to have them in advance or miss it while you’re there, you can also download the books on the nps.gov website.

4. Go on a Self-Guided Cavern Tour

The self-guided tour is a great way to experience Carlsbad Caverns. Currently, the guided tours are very limited and sell out almost immediately upon being made available, making the self-guided option the best bet for most visitors.

You can rent an audio guide device to take along on your tour that gives detailed information on the history and geology of the cave at numbered stops. There is also a children’s version.

Can you get into Carlsbad Caverns without a reservation?

You cannot go into the cave without a reservation. You will need to go to Recreation.gov to reserve a timed entry slot to enter the cave.

How long is a self-guided tour of Carlsbad?

The total time it takes to tour all of Carlsbad Caverns is about 2.5 hours. That time includes the 1.25-mile descent into the cave on foot. If you were to take the elevator in and out instead it would only be about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the wait time at the elevator.

It takes about one hour to descend to the bottom of the cavern through the natural entrance trail and walk to the Big Room. There are a lot of great cave formations to see along the way and quite a few places to sit and take a breather if you need.

Once at the bottom, you can take a quick detour to the bathrooms and snack stand or continue on with your tour of the Big Room. The Big Room has some of the most fascinating cave formations we have seen to date and is absolutely worth the 1.25-mile walk. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on how much you stop and read or look around along the way.

Mail a Postcard from the Cave

One unique thing to do at the bottom of the cavern that you don’t want to miss is to send a postcard. These can be bought and sent from inside the cavern. Just make sure you have the addresses you need because there is no cell phone service from 750 feet below the surface.

5. Take a Ranger Guided Cavern Tour

While visitors are welcome to explore certain areas of the cave on their own, there are many more gems that can only be accessed through a guided tour. Led by experienced park rangers, these tours will take you to areas off the beaten path and show you even more of the spectacular formations that the cavern has to offer. You’ll learn about the cave’s fascinating geologic history while experiencing its sheer grandeur in a way that is impossible to replicate on your own.

Is there a guided tour at Carlsbad Caverns?

Yes. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers ranger-guided tours in addition to a self-guided tour.

Kings Palace Guided Tour

Discover the underground world of Carlsbad Cavern on an incredible ranger-guided tour that takes you 830 feet below the ground. The Kings Palace Tour takes you on a 1.5-hour journey through 4 stunning chambers, each adorned with an array of remarkable formations.

While adults can indulge in this one-of-a-kind tour for $8, children can explore this remarkable sight for just $4. Those under the age of 4 are not permitted. You must also purchase an entrance ticket into the park before embarking on your underground voyage.

Making Reservations for Ranger-Guided Tours

While the Kings Palace Tour is a fabulous opportunity, it is only offered to a limited number of people daily. Two daily time slots for the tour can accommodate up to 12 people each. That is not many people compared to the number of people that visit the park each day.

For your best chance to snag a reservation. Go to recreation.gov and create an account. The tours go on sale at 8:00 AM MST 30 days in advance. Be logged in and ready to put in the number of tickets that you need and checkout.

I tried 3 days in a row and was unable to get 4 tickets. If you are trying to get 1 or 2, you may have better luck. If someone cancels a reservation, it becomes available again on the website.

Slaughter Canyon Cave

For 5.5 hours, visitors are immersed in a world of stalactites, stalagmites, and unique formations formed over thousands of years on the Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour. To fully appreciate the natural beauty of this cave, visitors use headlamps to illuminate their path through the winding corridors and cavern.

Unfortunately as of March 2023, the tour is currently unavailable. However, for those eager to explore the incredible underground terrain, keep an eye out for future opportunities to explore the depths of Slaughter Canyon Cave.

6. Attend a Bat Flight Program

As the sun sets over Carlsbad Caverns National Park, it’s the perfect time to attend the Bat Flight Program. It is available nightly from late May through October. As the season progresses and sunset times shift, the start time for this program also changes.

Before the show begins, gather around for an evening ranger talk at the bat flight amphitheater that delves into the world of bats. Learn about their unique behaviors and ecological importance, which sets the stage for the main event.

As darkness descends, thousands of bats take to the sky in a mesmerizing display. Witness their graceful flight patterns and hear the sound of their wings flapping above you. The Bat Flight Program at Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s not to be missed.

7. Attend a Night Sky Program

At Carlsbad Caverns National Park, visitors have the opportunity to attend a Night Sky Program that includes star viewing on certain dates and night hikes. Viewing the sky above the caverns is a breathtaking experience that will leave you in awe.

During the star viewing, a park ranger will use their laser pointer to illuminate the sky’s features while providing an informative night sky talk. The night hike is a 1.5-mile walk through the desert with a ranger. These are free but you need to register for the program at the visitor center on the day of your visit.

8. Hike the Trails

There are numerous hiking trails in the park ranging from short to overnight backpacking trips. Here are the options that can be completed within a day along with approximate distances and times.

Short Trails

• Walnut Canyon Overlook: paved, 0.2 miles, 10 minutes
• Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail: 1 mile, 1 hour
• Slaughter Canyon Cave Trail: 1 mile, 1.5 hours

Long Trails

• Juniper Ridge: 7 miles, 5 hours
• Lower Rattlesnake Canyon: 6 miles, 6 hours
• Upper Rattlesnake Canyon to Guadalupe Ridge Loop: 6 miles, 4 hours

9. Enjoy Walnut Canyon Desert Drive

The Scenic Walnut Canyon Desert Drive, located near the Carlsbad Caverns visitor center, is a spectacular journey through the stunning desert landscape. The 9.5-mile gravel one-way loop takes visitors through picturesque views of the desert.

March 2023 Update: Unfortunately, the road is currently closed due to flood damage, but when it reopens, it’s an adventure not to be missed.

10. Stop by Rattlesnake Springs

Amidst the rugged desert landscape, Rattlesnake Springs serves as a refreshing sanctuary. A stunning natural spring and an abundance of towering cottonwood trees provide a cool respite from the intense heat of the sun. But it’s not only humans who seek refuge in this lush oasis – a variety of bird species flock to the area throughout the year, making it a prime spot for bird watching.

While only open during daylight hours for day use, visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shaded area complete with picnic tables, grills, and even pit toilets for convenience.

What to Know Before You Go Into the Cave

Here are some things to know before you go into the cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

Are there restrooms in the cavern?

Yes. There are restrooms in the cavern near the elevator. If you are walking in it is about 1-1.5 hours from the entrance.

Can I bring food and drink into Carlsbad Caverns?

Yes. You are allowed to bring food and drinks into the cavern. There is a designated area near the elevator with tables and chairs to eat at.

Can I bring a backpack into Carlsbad Caverns?

Yes. You can bring a backpack into the cavern.

Can I bring a stroller into Carlsbad Caverns?

No. Strollers are not allowed in the cavern.

How cold is it inside Carlsbad Caverns?

Consistently cool and damp, the temperature inside a cave remains at around 56 degrees Fahrenheit with 90% humidity throughout the year. You may wish to bring a jacket along with you.

Can you take pictures in Carlsbad Caverns?

Yes. You can take photos with or without flash and can even bring a tripod.

Do you need reservations for Carlsbad Caverns?

To go into the cave, you must have reservations. Those can be made on Recreation.gov. Reservations become available 30 days in advance at 8:00 AM MST.

Where to Stay When Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

While there are no overnight options within Carlsbad Caverns National Park, there are plenty of accommodation options and campgrounds in nearby White’s City and Carlsbad.

White’s City

White’s City is the closest town to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. There are a few accommodation options including campgrounds and motels.

Carlsbad has quite a few hotel options . We stayed at the Hyatt House during our stay and had a great experience.

Other Things to Do While Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

There are numerous other nearby things to do while visiting Carlsbad Caverns. Our family’s favorites were heading south to Guadalupe Mountains National Park and visiting the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park . The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area and White Sands National Park are more of a drive, but also worth a visit if you have the time.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park FAQs

How much does carlsbad caverns cost.

Carlsbad Caverns charges an entrance fee to visit the park. It is $15 for ages 16 and up and is valid for three days. Ages 15 and under are free. You can also get in free using the $80 America the Beautiful annual National Parks pass.

In addition to the entrance fee, there is an additional charge for the tours. The King’s Palace guided tour is $8 for adults and $4 for children. The self-guided tour tickets only cost $1 per person.

How long should you spend at Carlsbad Caverns?

To just see the cave, you need to spend a minimum of 2 hours at Carlsbad Caverns. If you want to walk through the natural entrance, add another hour .

Can you do Carlsbad Caverns in a day?

You can definitely see Carlsbad Caverns in a day. Spend a few hours going on a self-guided tour of the cave or take a ranger-guided tour. On the surface, choose from one of the numerous hiking trails to explore the desert landscape.

Final Thoughts on Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an impressive and beautiful destination that should not be missed. Take a self-guided or ranger-guided tour of the cave, do some hiking above ground, and stay for the bat program or night sky program. With its stunning desert landscape, interesting wildlife, and unique geological formations, this park will surely leave you with lasting memories.

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Big Bend National Park
• White Sands National Park

Caitlin is a passionate traveler and the founder of Twin Family Travels, a blog helping families with planning trips both big and small. As a mom of twins, Caitlin loves spending time together as a family. She finds joy in discovering new places from day trips to far-away destinations. Hiking beautiful trails and meandering through museums are some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She provides valuable tips and recommendations that assist others in planning wonderful travel experiences.

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2 Day Carlsbad Caverns Itinerary

Explore above and below the surface of New Mexico with this comprehensive Carlsbad Caverns itinerary!

In just 2 days, you can see one of the United States’ most beautiful caves and explore the stunning desert landscape above.

In the itinerary below, you’ll find suggestions to help you easily plan a visit to this incredible national park.

From the best place to picnic to how to nab elusive ranger led tour tickets, I’ve got all the tips for your family vacation!

As with all of my posts, the itinerary and tips here are good for all ages, so that kids and parents alike can experience the wonder of this unique place.

This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through one of the links, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.

Carlsbad Caverns Itinerary for Families

Located in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns isn’t really on the way to anywhere—and that’s part of its charm.

Tucked away in the corner of New Mexico that borders Texas on 2 sides, this remote national park offers an incredible array of activities for those patient enough to get there.

It’s one of the 2 New Mexico national parks, the other being the equally incredible White Sands National Park.

(If you’re planning to do both, check out my 1 day in White Sands National Park itinerary as well.)

Reservations for Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Yes, this national park does require reservations for entrance, much like Arches National Park and a handful of others across the U.S.

However, unlike Arches National Park and others, you only need reservations if you’re planning to go into the cave. You will not need reservations if you’re just planning to stay on the surface.

This system is in place in order to keep admission to the cave limited to a specific number of people at any given time.

Reservations are taken up to 30 days before your visit. Plan ahead and nab one of the earliest entrance times to ensure you have time to see and do all that you want.

Plus, if you choose an earlier entrance time, you’ll be able to come and go into the caves as much as you’d like during the day.

However, you must enter for the first time during your chosen 1-hour time period.

A few finer points about the park reservations:

The reservation fee is $1 per person.

This fee does not include any park entrance fees or tour fees. Those are separate and payable when you get to the park.

Kids 15 and under are free to enter the park, but you’ll still need to pay that reservation fee.

Annual pass holders are also free to enter the park. However (and this will come at no shock), you’ll still need to pay that reservation fee!

If the park isn’t particularly busy on a given day, it’s feasible that you can just show up and hope to grab a reservation time later in the day. This is not advisable, as you will not get to everything on this itinerary and you face the very real situation of getting turned away.

The person making the reservations will need to be the person checking in at the park. The rangers will ask you for your reservation number and your ID.

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Itinerary Day 1

Start your day bright and early!

Hopefully, you’ve been able to nab some of those 8:30 AM tickets, so we can jump right into the exploration today.

Head into the national park after breakfast.

It will be tempting to stop along the winding entrance road, but don’t stop just yet. We’ll have time to explore here later on.

Arrival at Visitors Center

Our destination on day 1 is the visitors center, which is perched atop a cliff overlooking the seemingly endless desert flats below.

Try to arrive at the visitors center around 8 AM.

Head straight to the ticket counter, where you’ll show your reservations for your 8:30 AM check-in time.

Here, the ranger will check your ID and verify your reservations. If you don’t have an annual park pass , you’ll also pay for your entrance fees.

NOTE: Ask about the King’s Palace Tour tickets at this point. These are nearly impossible to get online (but I still encourage you to try!), but the rangers hold back several first-come, first served tickets each day for in-person visitors.

If they have any tickets for this tour, nab them. You might even get the choice of times for this ranger-led tour. If you have the option, select the 1:30 PM tour as this will allow you to complete the itinerary below as is.

If they don’t have any tickets, don’t despair! We’ll try again tomorrow.

Heading into the cave via the Natural Entrance

With your general admission ticket in hand, it’s time to head into the cave.

When you purchase your daily admissions ticket (or show your interagency pass), the ranger will ask you if you’d like to enter via the bat cave/surface entrance or via the elevator.

I highly recommend the surface entrance for the biggest wow factor!

You’ll head through a portion of the visitors center—again, it’s hard to walk through, but we will be back to explore this area further—and down a short, paved path to a ranger checking tickets.

He or she will then give you a short safety talk before sending you on your way into the cave.

The entrance is spectacular, and you’ll want to stop to take a photo (or 12).

For the best pictures of the entire mouth of the cave, step into the ampitheatre used for the bat flight program. This also ensures that you stay out of the flow of foot traffic into the cave.

From there, you’ll begin to go down…and down…and down. The cave will feel impossibly huge as you descend further into the darkness.

You’ll also see (and smell) many small birds who spend their days here catching insects.

All in all, it’s one of the most incredible cave entrances that I’ve experienced!

Descending into the caverns

While this entire path is paved, it is quite steep in places.

If you’re traveling with small kids, go slowly and take frequent breaks as the decline feels as if it will go on forever. In reality, it goes on for almost 1.5 miles!

On your self-guided tour, you’ll learn about ways that animals have adjusted to the near darkness. You’ll cross the “midnight zone,” so called for the area where rangers have purposefully removed lights in the cave as a natural, protective barrier to wildlife in the cave.

You’ll be treated to huge rooms, many of which were shaped and reshaped as the land here moved and changed over the last 250 million years.

All in all, this self-guided tour should take around 1.5 hours if you’re walking at a normal pace.

If you’re traveling with kids, this tour might go on longer depending on how quickly those little legs can walk, and how many times your family stops to discuss various areas in the cave.

This hike puts you out at the Big Room, the incredible space that Will Rogers called “the Grand Canyon with a roof on it.”

Even the Rotunda room at Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park, the massive space at the heart of the best Mammoth Cave tour for kids , pales in comparison to this chamber in New Mexico.

Marvel at this space, but don’t get too entrenched here, as we’re coming back to it later on in the itinerary.

For now, take a quick pit stop at the unique underground restrooms just beyond the Big Room, and head back to the visitors center via the elevators.

At this point, you’re likely getting a bit hungry.

On the way out to grab your picnic lunch, stop by the information desk by the front doors to get your kids’ Junior Ranger booklets.

They can discuss what they saw on the Natural Entrance hike and begin to fill out relevant pages.

While there is a small concessionaire through the gift shop, we prefer to bring picnics on our outdoor adventures.

This allows us a chance to relax outside for a bit in the beautiful natural surroundings of whatever park we’re visiting.

Our picnic basket is similar to this one on Amazon (the exact one isn’t sold anymore as we’ve had it for a decade!), and it’s great for packing a quick—and cute—lunch of sandwiches, fruit, chips, cheese sticks, and more.

Take your picnic basket or cooler to the picnic tables on the far side of the parking lot.

We preferred the one on the edge of the cliff for the best views, but this one doesn’t have protection from the sun.

If you’d like a picnic table with shade, there is one just across from the far end of the picnic area under a tree.

King’s Palace Tour

After lunch, browse in the gift shop for a few minutes before heading down via the elevators into the caverns again.

Hopefully, you were lucky enough to secure tickets for the King’s Palace tour either online or when you checked in this morning.

You’ll wait for your ranger guide on the stone benches near the elevators. Don’t be late as the ranger will leave promptly at the time listed.

Over the next hour and a half or so, you’ll get to go off the main path of the caverns into the spectacular King’s Palace area.

You might think, “If I’ve seen part of the cave, I’ve seen it all.”

However, let me assure you that the King’s Palace Tour is a completely different experience than the self-guided tour, and it is a fascinating, enriching part of your Carlsbad Caverns experience.

Get everything you need to know in my comprehensive King’s Palace Tour review .

After the King’s Palace tour, it should be mid-afternoon.

Bat Flight Program

Depending on your tolerance for walking and touring, you might be ready to head back to your campsite or hotel room for some downtime.

Families with small children will likely call it a day here as you’ve been walking since 8 AM this morning.

If you’d still like to keep going AND it’s between mid-May and the end of October, I’d suggest leaving the park for a bit to get dinner, and relax for a few minutes.

Then, you’ll want to be back in the park at the ampitheatre around sunset, which can be anywhere between 5:30 and 7:30 PM depending on the month.

Plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before sunset as you’ll get a free ranger talk about the stars of the sunset program: the bats!

During the late spring, summer, and early fall, the bat flight program is not to be missed each evening.

This is when you’ll see thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats rush out of the cave’s natural entrance in search of food.

Ask at the information desk on the exact timing of the ranger talk and bat flight for the day.

Sadly, you can’t take any photos as cameras and other electronics aren’t allowed since they can interfere with the bats’ natural tolerance for sound and light.

Itinerary Day 2

There’s so much to do at Carlsbad Caverns that you ABSOLUTELY will need a second day.

You might be able to do this itinerary in a single day if you were willing to hustle all day without breaks, but what’s the fun in that experience?

Taking 2 days at Carlsbad Caverns allows you to get a sample of the park’s offerings without being exhausted in the process.

In any case, let’s head back to Carlsbad Caverns National Park for Day 2!

Walnut Canyon Trail

Today, we’re spending some time on the entrance road, Carlsbad Caverns Highway.

Instead of rushing to the cave tour like we did yesterday, we’re exploring a bit of the surface before we head back underground.

Make a stop at the Walnut Canyon Trail for some beautiful views of the desert, and a short nature trail with informative signage.

This is also an excellent area from which to take photos of the winding entrance road and scrubby rolling foothills of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Another great and easy surface hike is on the Nature Trail near the visitors center , where you can learn about some of the flora and fauna supported by the desert landscape.

NOTE: As of the writing of this post in late 2023, the park had suffered damage on several of their backcountry trails (not the Walnut Canyon Trail). These trails in the southern section of the park are excellent options for those looking to dive further into the Guadalupe Mountain range, but they are closed until further notice.

Visitors Center Activities

Once you arrive at the visitors center on day 2, check in again. This is also the time to see if you can get those King’s Palace tour tickets if you were unsuccessful yesterday!

(Touring note: if you get King’s Palace tickets today, you can swap the Big Room Self-Guided Tour on Day 2’s itinerary with the King’s Palace Tour on Day 1).

You will need to have separate reservations for each day that you visit the national park. For Day 2, you can select a later check-in time around 11 AM or 12 PM since you’re spending a part of the morning doing a few surface trails and exploring the visitors center.

I’d highly recommend spending some time in the visitors center this morning as it has several great activities.

The free park film is shown on a rotating basis in the theatre between the bookshop and the doorway to the natural entrance to the cave.

It’s about 20 minutes long and covers the brief history of the formation of the caves, current scientific studies at the park, and an overview of the unique ecosystem here.

There are also 2 different stores on-site : the gift shop and the bookstore.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, I suggest checking out both as they have different items in each.

The gift shop has shirts, toys, jewelry, stickers, rocks, hats, magnets, and key chains, while the bookstore has books (of course), the park stamps, water bottle holders, notebooks, and more.

For kids, there are 2 great areas to visit:

The children’s area across from the admissions desk . Here, kids can work on their Junior Ranger badges, color free park worksheets, or take a break at the kid-sized table and chairs.

The interactive exhibits near the door to the natural cave entrance trail . My kids loved exploring these, which included a topography map of the area, a tiny cave passage to squeeze through, and photo ops of a spelunker.

Big Room Self-Guided Tour

We will end our visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park where we started: back underground.

There’s still one major must-do here under the surface, and that’s to do the 2 loops of the Big Room.

You passed through the main walkway yesterday after hiking down through the natural cave entrance, but the Big Room is well worth its own visit.

Head down via the elevators to the left of the admissions desk, and then begin your self guided tour at the well-marked intersection of paths.

This tour is where you’ll see the highest concentration of stalagmites and stalactites on the self-guided tour options. Many of these formations are intricate, delicate, and awe-inspiring.

Do the entire 1.25 mile loop if your family is able to. Otherwise, there is a cut through about 0.75 miles in that will allow you to do a smaller loop.

For families with young kids, plan on taking at least an hour or so to walk the entire loop. There are many infographics and informational signs along the way to help answer questions that your kids are sure to have.

Finally, turn in your Junior Ranger booklets at the information desk for review and to get sworn in. Congrats to the newly minted Carlsbad Caverns Junior Rangers!

NOTE: If you have time in this area before you move on, you can head slightly south on Highway 62 into Texas to visit the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, too!

Don’t stop here! Explore even more of New Mexico’s beauty on the Santa Fe to White Sands road trip itinerary!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park FAQs

What should i wear into the cave.

You’ll want to wear comfortable layers and closed toed shoes.

Layering will allow you to be prepared for both surface activities and cave activities as the temperature during your visit can vary greatly depending where you are on the property.

Closed toes shoes are a must as you’ll want to protect your feet from desert plants on the surface and be prepared for the walking in the caves. We love and recommend Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals for their versatility and comfort.

How can I get reservations for Carlsbad Caverns?

The reservation process is easy and can be done on the Carlsbad Caverns National Parks website .

To reserve, you’ll need to pay a small $1 reservation fee for each person who will be visiting. You’ll also need to identify what day and time you want to visit as cave entrances are strictly limited.

When is the best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns?

If you’re just planning to visit the cave, you can have the same experience year round as the cave remains at a constant 56 degrees F.

However, if you’re planning to explore the surface as well—something we highly recommend!—you’ll want to aim for late May. We found this to be the perfect time to visit Carlsbad Caverns as the weather is warm, but not hot, and the bat flight program is usually underway.

Where can I RV camp near Carlsbad Caverns?

While there is a simplistic RV park at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in White City, I highly recommend staying a bit further away from the park in Lake Brantley State Park.

Located about 45 minutes from the national park on the other side of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Lake Brantley State Park is inexpensive, quiet, and gorgeous. In fact, it’s one of my picks for best New Mexico campgrounds .