Carlsbad Caverns National Park New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico. It is accessible by way of US 62/180 from either Carlsbad, New Mexico (23 miles to the northeast) or El Paso, Texas (150 miles to the west). A scenic 7-mile entrance road leads from the park gate at Whites City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. MapCarlsbad Caverns National Park is not just about one cave. The park was etablished to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef, the park contains more than 85 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave—the nation's deepest limestone cave, at 1,567 feet, and third longest. From early spring through October, visitors can watch the evening flight of thousands of Mexican free-tail bats from the outdoor amphitheater at the cave's natural entrance. You can hike and camp at the park as well.You can take ranger-guided or self-guided cave tours. The basic cavern entry is by way of two self-guided routes, the Big Room Route and the Natural Entrance Route. Tickets are sold at the visitor center each day, except December 25. Entrance fee tickets are good for three days but do not include guided or other special tours. Summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is highly suggested that you reserve your tour online. More information.On the self-guided tour you can take babies by backpack only. No strollers, please. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There are limitations regarding small children on tours. See the tour descriptions for age restrictions.Fee to enter the cave without guided tour: Adults – $6, Children 15 and under – Free. To take most guided tours, you must pay the general entry fee first.

• Kings Palace. $8 adults, $4 children, under 4 not permitted.
• Left Hand Tunnel. $7 adults, $3.50 children, under 6 not permitted.
• Slaughter Canyon Cave. $15 adults, $7.50 children, under 6 not permitted.
• Lower Cave. $20 adults, $10 children, under 12 not permitted.
• Hall of the White Giant. $20 adults, $10 children, under 12 not permitted.
• Spider Cave. $20 adults, $10 children, under 12 not permitted.

Note: Discounts for Senior and Access Pass holders on all tours.Carlsbad Caverns Website