Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Carlsbad Cavern

Carlsbad Caverns National Park cave chamber with towering stalagmites and stalactites inside a dim cavern.

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.

Plan your visit

Best Time To Visit: Spring and Fall to avoid peak heat and crowds

Highlights

Why Visit: Carlsbad Caverns National Park preserves a vast subterranean karst system within the Chihuahuan Desert. The caverns expose a record of geological processes and subterranean ecosystems shaped over millennia, providing a robust context for scientific study and conservation. The park enforces strict access and permits to protect delicate cave formations and cave-adjacent environments. Timed-entry reservations manage visitor flow, and backcountry use requires a free permit obtained at the visitor center, reflecting a disciplined approach to preservation and safety. The site also supports ongoing wildlife and desert ecosystem research, including seasonal bat activity and desert-mesic interactions that illustrate the park’s role in regional biodiversity.
Top Things To Do: Carlsbad Cavern tour; overlook trails; Bat Flight Program (seasonal); Underground Lunchroom visit

Getting there & around

Getting There Entrances: Main entrance at the park's visitor center; cavern access via the same site
Getting Around Shuttles: No internal shuttle required; trails and cave access via tours and walking paths
Getting Around Reservations: Timed-entry reservations required for Carlsbad Cavern; online or by phone (877-444-6777); entrance tickets purchased at the visitor center
Getting Around Parking: Ample RV parking in the west parking lot near the visitor center; rear lot has designated spots

Where to stay

Where To Stay Campgrounds: Backcountry camping allowed with a free permit obtained at the visitor center; no vehicle/RV camping; sites must be at least 100 feet from trails and 300 feet from water sources or cave entrances; no open fires; small cooking stoves permitted
Where To Stay Gateway Towns: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Safety & wildlife

Safety Bear Country: Wildlife includes bats, mule deer, and javelinas; maintain a safe distance; feed is prohibited
Safety Weather: Desert climate can be hot in summer; hydrate; cave is a constant 56°F (13°C); wear closed-toe shoes with good traction on cave trails
Safety Leave No Trace: Pack out; stay on established trails; follow Leave No Trace principles
Safety Permits Needed: Backcountry permits are free and must be obtained at the visitor center on arrival
Wildlife Overview: Bats, mule deer, javelinas
Wildlife Where To See: Bats inside the cavern during flight programs; desert wildlife outside in park areas
Wildlife Safety: Observe wildlife from a distance; do not feed or approach; leash pets when outside vehicles

Trip strategy

Itinerary Strategy: Day 1: Carlsbad Cavern entry and main tour; Day 2: Desert surroundings and overlook trails; Day 3: Backcountry permit planning and exploration nearby
Crowd Calendar: Peak in July and holidays; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds; winter is open if weather allows
Tips Advice: Buy timed-entry pass online
Reservations by phone available
Parking can fill; arrive early
Check road status for flood-related closures
Hydrate and carry water
Wear sturdy shoes; cave floors are wet and uneven
No drones; keep wildlife distance

More details

Park Code: cave
Tagline: National Park
Operating Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: $1.00 - Timed Entry Reservation - Location
Quick Facts Entrance Fees: Standard fee: $15 per person 16+, free for 15 and under; digital passes via Recreation.gov; timed-entry reservations required; America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Nearby Services: Nearest hospital ~30 minutes in Carlsbad; services and gas in Carlsbad, NM
Accessibility: Partial accessibility; Visitor Center and some facilities accessible; cave access has restrictions; check ahead for specific tours
Photography Tips: Capture exterior views from designated overlooks; do not block traffic or trails; respect cave lighting limits on tours
When To Visit Peak Season: Summer months and holidays
When To Visit Shoulder Season: Mar–May; Aug–Sep
When To Visit Winter: Open year-round, weather permitting
When To Visit Road Opening: Main park road to the visitor center and cavern remains open
Weather Info: 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!
What To Bring Essential Gear: Water; layered clothing; closed-toe shoes with good traction
What To Bring Clothing: No cotton; wool or synthetic layers
Review Summary: Rated 4.9 stars from 17,545 reviews. Visitors emphasize the quality of cave experiences and the need to plan ahead due to timed-entry. Crowds can be notable during peak season, so have reservations ready and arrive on schedule.

Location

Photos

Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.

Photo of four mule deer in a drainage with vegetation around them.

Photo of the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern with visitors hiking down the trail.

Photo of the Chandelier and Caveman formations in the Big Room

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a reservation for Carlsbad Cavern?

Timed-entry reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Cavern; reservations are strongly recommended, and entrance tickets are purchased at the visitor center.

Are pets allowed in the cavern?

No. Pets are not allowed in the cavern, on unpaved park trails, off-road, during the Bat Flight Program, or in the visitor center. When outside a vehicle, pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet; kennels are available for day use only.

Is there a shuttle system inside the park?

There is no mandatory shuttle system; use the main entrance and trails on foot as directed.

Can I camp in the park?

Backcountry camping is permitted with a free permit obtained at the visitor center; vehicle or RV camping is prohibited, and sites must be 100 feet from trails and 300 feet from water sources or cave entrances; no open fires.

What about cell service and connectivity?

Cell coverage is spotty to non-existent in the park vicinity; plan accordingly and download essential information beforehand.