Big Room Route - The Big Room Route is the "must see" tour for all visitors. A one hour, one mile stroll through a massive 14 acre chamber, this self guided walk captures the true essence of Carlsbad Caverns. Entering and exiting the cave by elevator, visitors follow well graded and mostly level trails that also afford convenient access to wheelchairs and mobility impaired visitors.
Natural Entrance Route - The Natural Entrance Route follows the traditional entry path into the depths of Carlsbad Cavern, descending over 750 feet on a steep and narrow paved switch- back trail. This one mile, one hour self-guided walk is strenuous and is not recommended for anyone with serious health or walking problems. Upon concluding this walk, visitors can return to the surface by elevator, or continue on the Big Room Route described above.
Entry to both self-guided walking routes is included in the basic cave entry fee which is good for three days. (Adults $5, Children6-16 $3, Golden Age Passholders $2.50). Tours leave continuously. Hand held radio receivers, available for $.50, provide information about the cavern while walking through it. Visitors should wear a jacket or sweater, as the cavern is 56 degrees year round and bring along personal medications. Rubber-soled shoes are required; child carrying backpacks are recommended; strollers are prohibited.
Visitor services include a Visitors Center and information desk, exhibits, surface and sub-surface restaurants, kennel services, gift shop and cavern bookstore. Special ranger programs, walks and demonstrations are offered daily.
SUMMER NON-SUMMER Visitor Center Opens 8:00 AM 8:00 AM Big Room and Natural Entrance Routes Open 8:30 AM 8:30 AM Last Entry Natural Entrance Route 3:30 PM 2:00 PM Last Entry By Room Route 5:00 PM 3:30 PM Visitor Center Closes 7:00 PM 5:30 PMSummer hours in effect Memorial Day Weekend through the 3rd Sunday in August. All times Mountain Time Zone. Closed December 25. Arrive early in the day for maximum time in the cavern.
Several optional guided tours are available for small additional fees.
King's Palace Guided Tour - Following paved trails, this ranger conducted guided tour visits four highly decorated scenic chambers located 830 feet below the surface. Tour highlights include Ranger talks and a natural cave "blackout". Four tours are offered daily year-round with additional tours available in summer months. Tours depart from underground lunchroom area Maximum tour size 75 visitors, duration 1 1/2 hours; cost S5; reservations recommended.
Left Hand Tunnel Tour - A half mile guided lantern tour over packed earth trails in an undeveloped portion of Carlsbad Cavern, highlighting formations, crystal clear pools, and ancient reef fossils. Offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at l:OO pm, this walking tour is the easiest of the "off-trail" tours. Maximum tour size 20 visitors, duration 2 hours cost $4: reservations recommended. No children under 6.
Slaughter Canyon Cave - A ranger-led walking tour through a large and well decorated undeveloped backcountry cave. Visitors tour cavern by flashlight on unimproved dirt trails. Tours depart from caven entrance. Entrance is reached by hiking 1/2 mile desert trail up 500 feet in elevation from Slaughter Canyon parking lot located 23 miles from Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center Tours depart at lO:OO am. and 1:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday; offered daily in summer Maximum tour size 25 visitors; duration 2 hours; cost $8; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. No children under 6.
Lower Cave Tour - A moderately strenuous "wild' caving tour through highly decorated passageways located 90 below the Big Room. Tour involves descending 50 of vertical ladders and highlights rare cave pearls and unique formations. Cave helmet and headlamp provided visitors must supply doves and 4 "AA" batteries each. Offered Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at l:OO pm. Maximum tour size 12; duration 3 hours; cost $12; Reservations recommended No children under 12.
Hall of the White Giant - A strenuous and challenging "wild caving tour to a remote, magical chamber in Carlsbad Cavern. Participants are required to crawl long distances. squeeze through tight passages and chimney up slippery flowstone- lined passages. Cave helmet and headlamp provided visitors supply gloves kneepads, and 4 "AA" batteries each. Offered Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Maximum tour size 10; duration 3-4 hours; cost $12; Reservations recommended No children under 12.
Spider Cave - This very strenuous "wild' cave tour visits a complex backcountry maze cave where visitors will experience tight crawlways, canyon passages, and unusually decorated rooms Tour departs from the Visitor's Center and requires a ½ mile desert hike to reach the cave. Cave helmet and headlamp provided visitors supply gloves, kneepads, and 4 "AA" batteries each Offered Sundays at 1:00 pm. Maximum tour size 8; duration 3-4 hours; cost $12; Reservations recommended No children under 12.
Reservations may be made for any guided tour up to six months in advance using Visa or MasterCard by calling 505-785-2232, extension 429. Valid General Admission cave entry pass is required in addition to special tour fee for all tours except Slaughter Canyon Cave and Spider Cave. All tours except King's Palace and Slaughter Canyon Cave depart from the main Visitors Center lobby. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tours, times, and prices are subject to change Call 505-785-2232 for current information.
Additional recreation opportunities in Carlsbad Caverns National Park include:
Bat Flight - Each evening in the summer and early fall, tens of thousands of bats that inhabit the cavern fly out of the natural entrance to feed on insects. Ranger "Bat Flight" talks are presented before each night's flight in a stone amphitheater located near the natural entrance. Program times change nightly. Call for daily program time.
Nature Trail - This one mile paved and partially accessible nature trail departs from the Visitors Center featuring labeled Chihuahuan Desert plants and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Walnut Canyon Drive - A scenic, one hour drive through the Chihuahuan Desert located above Carlsbad Cavern. This low speed 9.5 mile gravel road is suitable for most vehicles except trailers and recreational vehicles. An informative guidebook for this self-guided drive is available at the Visitors Center.
Rattlesnake Springs - The source of the park's water, this historic oasis and picnic area offers shade trees, picnic tables, restrooms, and excellent bird watching opportunities.
Backcountry Hiking and Camping - Carlsbad Caverns National Park encompasses over 46,000 acres of desert and mountain wilderness that affords many opportunities for day hikes and backcountry camping. Permits are required for backcountry camping. Special precautions need to be taken when traveling in this beautiful, fragile, and unique desert environment. Rangers at the Visitors Center can provide permits, trail recommendations, weather, and backcountry camping tips. Topo maps, available in the cavern bookstore, are recommended.