Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad, NM

Underground
5 (1 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: 727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA How do we get there? Number: 505 785-2232
Image copyright remains with original owners Attractions in Carlsbad All Photo
Suggest edit

About this activity

There are some pretty incredible things to see above the surface in the USA, but don't forget about all the adventures that you can have BELOW the surface!

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is filled with incredible natural sights and formation. Above ground, there are ancient sea ledges, as well as beautiful desert wildlife, and deep rocky canyons. It also happens to be home to over 119 caves BELOW the surface too!

These caves were all formed with sulphuric acid dissolved the limestone, which then left behind a variety of caverns all shapes and sizes. 

When you visit Carlsbad Caverns, the best thing to do is stop at the Visitor Center, to get an understanding of what there is to see, and the best places to see them. Your experience of the caverns might be self-guided, and you will find yourself in the Big Room chamber of the main cavern. You might also find yourself hiking down a 750 foot trail in the Natural Entrance, and you might find yourself trekking through back country in the middle of the Chuhuahuan Desert!

Of course, if you wanted to enjoy the cavern with a park ranger of a tour, you can explore sights such as the chimney in Spider Cave, or the beautifully decorated Kings Palace.

During May to October, the Bat Flight program is quite a sight, where hundreds of thousands of bats exit the cave at dusk and completely cover the sky.

Carlsbad Caverns also hold night sky events, where you can explore the wonders of the sky away from the lights of the local community. You will be amazed how clear it can get out there!

Amazing natural wonders to be explored at Carlsbad Caverns National Park! So let's get exploring!

Activity location

Directions

Visitors arrive by way of U.S. Highway 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 (11.3 km) entrance road leads from the park gate at Whites City to the visitor center and cavern entrance.

Get directions

How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

$10. Tours are from $7

Hilton

Children

Free. Tours from $4

Hilton

Discount

They offer Fee Free Days on certain holidays

Hilton

Free Under

15 years

Hilton

Last Updates

2022

Carlsbad Caverns FAQ’s

The parks and recreation team really look after the caverns, and ensure the tours keep the caverns protected. If they have any regulations, ensure you follow them to help protect these amazing natural wonders

Baby strollers aren't permitted in the caves so bring a baby backpack

The Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company is just past the gift shop and has a range of sandwiches, hot meals, and snacks. There is also a rest areas near the caverns with drinking fountains and a snack bar

A light jacket and comfortable shoes with rubber soles are appropriate year-round.

There are gifts and educational souvenirs to purchase at the visitor center

They love having students visit! Make sure you have a minimum of one adult for every 10 minors

Baby strollers aren't permitted in the caves so bring a baby backpack

The cafe has salads and healthy sandwiches. There are also picnic tables if you want to bring your own food. No food in the caverns.

Portions of the Big Room are wheelchair accessible, but the Natural Entrance isn't. Check at the visitor center which are the best experiences for you

Most of the formations growing in the cave today were actually growing during the last ice age, where there was pine forest instead of desert!

What people are saying?

Rate & Write a Review

Your rating *

Review us on Trustpilot

We value your feedback, please take a moment to leave Familydaysout.com a review on Trustpilot.

Leave a Review