Carlsbad Caverns National Park

National Park · New Mexico

Information See 5 current alerts

Photo of Giant Dome and Twin Domes in the Big Room.
Photo: NPS / Michael Larson

Current alerts (5)

  • Information

    Fire Restrictions

    Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.

  • Information

    Closures Due to Flood Damage

    Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open.

    More from the park: Closures Due to Flood Damage

  • Information

    Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed

    A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave.

    More from the park: Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed

  • Information

    Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern

    Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased.

    More from the park: Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern

  • Information

    Footwear in the Cavern

    For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary.

Hours

Hours

Standard hours: Hours
Every day9:00AM - 2:30PM

Coming up:

  • Nov 26: Thanksgiving Day (closed)

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.

Visitor centers

Visitor Center

Visitor Center

Standard hours: Visitor Center
Every day9:00AM - 5:00PM

The visitor center and cavern are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days.

Visitor center page on nps.gov: Visitor Center

Events in the next few days

  • Bat Flight Program

    · 05:45 PM · The seating area where you will sit to watch the bats is located at the Natural Entrance to Carlsbad Cavern, about a five minute walk from the visitor center. · Free

    Event details: Bat Flight Program

About this 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.