National Park · New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves—formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.
Things to do
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Camping
- Caving
- Food
- Dining
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Weather & when to go
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert in southeast New Mexico. Summers are hot with temperatures between 90°F (32°C) and low 100s °F (38°C). Windy conditions and mild temperatures are common in early spring (March-May) with frequent rain in early fall (August-September). This part of the country also sees cold temperatures in the winter with occasional snow and icy conditions. Most days, the park is enveloped by a gorgeous blue sky with very few clouds, 278 sunny days a year!
Entrance fees
Timed Entry Reservation - Location
A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations.
$1.00
Entrance - Per Person
Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov.
$15.00
Operating hours
Hours
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park costs $1.00 (Timed Entry Reservation - Location), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
- Do I need a reservation for Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
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