CuteCamper
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.
RecAreaDirections
To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. The entrance road stretches a scenic seven miles (11.3 km) from the park gate at White's City to the visitor center and cavern entrance. The address for the park's visitor center is 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy, Carlsbad, NM, 88220, located 27 miles (43 km) from the town of Carlsbad.
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Permits info
Facilities
Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours Ticket Facility
Overview:
Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Come explore the largest chambered cavern in North America.The Guadalupe Mountains are an uplifted portion of ancient reef, which thrived along the edge of an inland sea more than 250 million years ago. Preserved in the rocks are the ancient bodies of sponges, algae, snails, nautilus and more. This fossil reef formed the caves beneath the surface. Over time, sulfuric acid dissolved into surrounding limestone, creating stunning rock formations jutting down from the cave ceilings. More than 300,000 visitors travel to Carlsbad Caverns each year for a rare glimpse of the underground worlds preserved beneath the desert.
Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cave's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room trail. Or, you can simply take an elevator ride from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room trail.
Most of the cave trail is self-guided and included in the general admission fee that you will pay upon arrival to the park.
Seeking a more adventurous cave experience? Choose from among several ranger-guided tours to reserve in advance. Tours range from relatively easy strolls to physically strenuous and mentally challenging adventure tours.
Visitors are encouraged to review the tour details, which may include age or other restrictions, before making a reservation.
Summary of Fees - Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
Visitor Center Facility
>> RESERVATIONS REQUIRED to enter cavern and must be purchased at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The reservation is only for selecting the entry time. Entrance tickets will need to be purchased at the visitor center. << The visitor center offers many services, including a bookstore, gift shop, cafeteria, restrooms, a park movie, information desk, ticket counter, and hands-on educational exhibits.
