Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Explore a subterranean world of colossal chambers and intricate formations in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bat flight spectacle
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Best Time
Bat flight spectacle
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a subterranean world of colossal chambers and intricate formations in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico.
"Photos don't do justice to the pure size and wonder of this underground marvel."
Book Timed Entry Early
Reservations are essential! Book online via recreation.gov ASAP. :ticket:
Wear Layers & Good Shoes
Cave is 56°F. Bring a jacket & comfy, grippy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Big Room
Underground
Explore the largest cave chamber in North America, a vast expanse of stunning formations.
Natural Entrance Trail
Cave Entrance
Descend 75 stories into the earth, experiencing the cave's grandeur from the start.
Bat Flight Program
Amphitheater
Witness thousands of bats emerge from the cave at dusk during summer months. No photos allowed!
King's Palace Tour
Underground
An accessible, guided tour showcasing the cave's most intricate and beautiful chambers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timed Entry is Essential
Dress for the Underground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Timed Entry Early
Reservations are essential! Book online via recreation.gov ASAP.
Wear Layers & Good Shoes
Cave is 56°F. Bring a jacket & comfy, grippy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated on your underground exploration. Water fountains are available.
Natural Entrance is Best
Walk down instead of taking the elevator for a more immersive experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Timed Entry Early
Reservations are essential! Book online via recreation.gov ASAP.
Wear Layers & Good Shoes
Cave is 56°F. Bring a jacket & comfy, grippy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated on your underground exploration. Water fountains are available.
Natural Entrance is Best
Walk down instead of taking the elevator for a more immersive experience.
Quiet & Respectful
Be mindful of others; keep voices low and flashlights pointed down. :pray:
Phone Camera Tips
Use low-light or night mode for better photos in the dim cave lighting. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carlsbad Caverns National Park for its awe-inspiring scale and unique geological formations, calling it an unforgettable experience. Many highlight the Big Room and the option to walk down the Natural Entrance as major draws. Some suggest bringing a jacket and comfortable shoes, and emphasize the importance of booking timed entry reservations well in advance.
"Before going, I completed the mandatory registration online to ensure our date and time of arrival. Everyone must do this, and the sooner, the better. Our check-in time was from 1130-1230. The line moved swiftly, and since we are America the Beautiful cardholders, that also helped. Outside, it was 98-100 degrees, while inside, it was about 58. Thankfully, the temperature was cool enough to enjoy our visit without jackets. We wore hiking boots/shoes, which was great since we walked through some wet areas. We decided to walk down into the cavern, instead of the elevator, and took most of the longer routes while inside. There is a lot to see and places to sit and take breaks. We spent about three hours there, including time inside the gift shops. Overall, we had a wonderful time. I wasn't sure my seven-year-old would like it, but she did and wanted to go back inside. It is definitely somewhere I would enjoy going again."
Lady Quinn
"One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. Photos do not communicate the pure size of the cavern.
However, some things to keep in mind or that I would have done differently: I brought a jacket, and it ended up just getting in the way as it wasn’t very cold. I went just after it rained, and it still wasn’t slippery, so shoes with traction are recommended, but not necessary. You could probably go down there with sandals and be fine. The rangers try to scare you into taking the elevator (probably not on purpose) but do not take the elevator. The walk down is probably cooler than the actual attraction at the bottom. Bring water, as you could be down there for a while and get thirsty. Only about a bottle per person is fine. At the end, I walked back up the path instead of taking the elevator, and it was definitely strenuous but really cool to see how far you climbed. Please be quiet and point your flashlights at the ground, people basically yelling and shining their lights in your eyes and at the rocks sucked.
All in all, amazing place with millions of years of history. Will stop by again for sure."
Yeet Cacheet
"Such a fun experience! Would recommend to all. Be sure to get reservations online as they do sell out in person. Wear walking/hiking shoes and be prepared for steep hills! Great Rangers nearby and beautiful views."
Alexis H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico. The nearest major airport is in El Paso, Texas (about a 2.5-hour drive). From Carlsbad, NM, it's about a 30-minute drive to the park entrance. Many visitors drive, and the scenic drive into the park is part of the experience. +1
Public transportation options directly to Carlsbad Caverns National Park are very limited. It is best to have your own vehicle or rent a car.
Yes, it's possible to visit both Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Park in one day if you start early. You'll need to prioritize which parts of each park you want to see, as both are significant destinations.
The drive to Carlsbad Caverns National Park is through the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. It's a scenic route, especially as you approach the park. +1
Carlsbad Caverns National Park does not offer RV hookups within the park. However, there are campgrounds and RV parks in the nearby town of Carlsbad.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need a timed entry reservation to enter the caverns themselves, even if you have a National Park Pass. These can be booked on recreation.gov. The park entrance fee is $15 per person, or covered by an America the Beautiful Pass.
The entrance fee for Carlsbad Caverns National Park is $15 per person for a 3-day pass. This fee is waived if you have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass.
Timed entry reservations for Carlsbad Caverns National Park must be made online through recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book these in advance, as they can sell out.
The visitor center and cave entrance typically open at 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM. The last entry into the cave is usually around 3:30 PM. Always check the official NPS website for the most current hours.
While you can sometimes purchase tickets at the park if they haven't sold out online, it's strongly advised to secure your timed entry reservation in advance via recreation.gov to guarantee your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors opt for the self-guided tour of the Big Room, which is a 1.25-mile paved loop. You can also take the Natural Entrance Trail down or use the elevator. Guided tours like King's Palace are also available and highly recommended.
A self-guided tour of the Big Room can take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much you stop to admire the formations. Guided tours add extra time.
Yes, Carlsbad Caverns is generally very family-friendly. The paved paths are easy to navigate, and kids are often fascinated by the scale and formations. Consider taking the elevator down if you have very young children to conserve their energy.
Photography is allowed inside the caverns, but flash photography is prohibited to protect the cave formations and the bats. Use your phone's low-light settings for best results.
Wear layers, as the cave temperature is a constant 56°F (13°C). Comfortable walking shoes with good traction are essential, as you'll be walking on paved paths that can be damp.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a snack bar and gift shop located within the Big Room, about an hour into the self-guided tour. It offers basic snacks and drinks.
You can bring your own water and snacks into the caverns. However, it's best to consume them in designated areas or before/after your cave exploration to keep the cave environment pristine.
The closest dining options are in the town of Carlsbad, New Mexico, which is about a 30-minute drive from the park. Options range from fast food to local restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Use your phone's low-light or night mode for better results. Avoid flash photography, as it can damage the cave formations and disturb wildlife. :iphone:
Tripods are generally not permitted inside the caverns to avoid obstructing pathways and other visitors. Check with park rangers for specific regulations.
The Big Room offers numerous opportunities for stunning photos of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. The Natural Entrance Trail also provides dramatic perspectives. +1
It can be challenging due to the low light conditions. Experimenting with different settings on your camera or phone is key.
The main restriction is no flash photography. Also, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways with your equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider taking the elevator down to the Big Room to conserve little legs, especially if your children are younger or have less stamina. The King's Palace tour is also a great option for families looking for a more guided experience. Remember to bring water and snacks, and dress in layers for the cool cave temperatures.
🚶 Budget Travelers
The main self-guided tours are included in this fee. To save money on food, pack your own picnic lunch and snacks. There are designated areas where you can enjoy them. Lodging can also be a significant expense; consider camping in or near the park, or looking for more affordable accommodations in the town of Carlsbad.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the dramatic scale of the Big Room and the intricate details of the speleothems. The Natural Entrance Trail provides dramatic perspectives for wide-angle shots. While tripods may be restricted, look for opportunities to stabilize your camera for sharper images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caverns: Natural Entrance vs. Elevator
The elevator provides a quicker and less strenuous way to reach the Big Room, especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or families with very young children. While convenient, some visitors feel it bypasses the initial awe-inspiring descent. Regardless of your entry choice, the cave system itself is largely accessible with paved, well-maintained paths and handrails throughout the main tour routes.
Once inside, the Big Room is the star attraction, boasting the largest cave chamber in North America. It's a self-guided tour that takes you through a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies, all illuminated to showcase their beauty. You can spend hours marveling at these natural sculptures.
The Famous Bat Flight Program
To witness this phenomenon, visitors gather in the Natural Entrance Amphitheater. It's crucial to note that absolutely no photography or videography is allowed during the bat flight. This is to prevent any disturbance to the bats. Rangers provide educational talks before the flight, explaining the bats' behavior and importance to the ecosystem.
Arrive early to secure a good spot in the amphitheater. The exact timing of the flight can vary depending on weather conditions and the bats' activity. Even if you miss the flight, the park's caves offer incredible geological wonders year-round.
Photography Tips for Cave Exploration
For smartphone users, utilize your device's low-light or night mode settings. These modes capture more ambient light, resulting in clearer and more detailed images. Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the immense scale and intricate details of the stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological features.
While tripods are generally not allowed to ensure smooth visitor flow, consider using a monopod or stabilizing your phone against a rock or railing if possible for sharper shots. Patience is key; take your time to find the best vantage points and settings to capture the otherworldly beauty of Carlsbad Caverns.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit