Carlsbad Caverns National Park
High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus, and desert wildlife—treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Photo: NPS / Michael Larson / NPS
About 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.
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TXdrive time
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NMdrive time
Driving times from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Timed Entry Reservation - Location
$1.00A 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.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00Entrance 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.
Hours
Hours
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Activities
Getting there
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!
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- Entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park starts at $1. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping, Caving, Dining.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Chamizal National Memorial (3 h 7 min), Guadalupe Mountains National Park (3 h 36 min), Blackwell School National Historic Site (3 h 37 min), Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail (3 h 43 min), Fort Davis National Historic Site (4 h 2 min), El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail (5 h 54 min).