Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours

About Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours

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

How to Get There

From Carlsbad, NM (40 minutes) Drive south on US 62/180 (Canal St) Turn west on NM 7 (Whites City, NM) Seven miles to the Visitor Center** From El Paso, TX (2.5 hours) Drive east on US 62/180 (Montana Ave) Turn west on NM 7 (Whites City, NM) Seven miles to the Visitor Center** From Fort Stockton, TX via Pecos TX (2.5 hours) Drive north on US 285 Turn west on Black River Village Rd (county road 720, Malaga, NM) Turn south on US 62/180 Turn west on NM 7 (Whites City, NM) Seven miles to the Visitor Center** **Notice: The last 7 miles are winding roadway. Please be alert and aware of wildlife or slower moving vehicles on road.

Plan Your Visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours

Heading to Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)