To access Carlsbad Caverns National Park’s only entrance road, Carlsbad Caverns Highway, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White’s City, New Mexico—20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, Texas.
How long does it take to walk through the Carlsbad Caverns?
Most visitors will only need
3-4 hours
for a self-guided tour through the caverns. Photographers and geology enthusiasts may want more time, but I would guess 5-6 hours would be more than enough time for 99% of visitors.
Is it worth going to Carlsbad Caverns?
This, too, is a huge chambered cave with some fantastically beautiful formations which rival even some of Carlbads formations.
Very much worth the effort if you are physically able to do so
. Carlsbad Caverns will stay with you as a great memory for your entire life.
Why is Carlsbad Caverns closed?
As of 12:30 p.m. (MT) Carlsbad Caverns National Park is closing due to
potential road flooding
. As rains increase, so does the potential for safety issues for drivers. The decision was made to close the park completely and ask all visitors and employees to evacuate.
What is the closest city to Carlsbad Caverns?
| 103 miles: Roswell (New Mexico) | 27 miles: Carlsbad (New Mexico) | 97 miles: Pecos (Texas) | 154 miles: Cloudcroft | 106 miles: Van Horn |
|---|
Can you get into Carlsbad Caverns without a reservation?
Reservations Required to Enter
Carlsbad Cavern. Reservations must be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777. No reservations available at the park. Reservations are only for selecting the entry time.
How much does it cost to go to Carlsbad Caverns?
A general admission ticket is required for anyone entering Carlsbad Cavern.
Adults 16 years and older are $15, children 15 and younger are free
. There are additional fees for guided tours.
How many days do you need for Carlsbad Caverns?
Depends on the amount of time you have and want to spend. Some folks take
two to three days
, which would include some hiking. For the main cavern; if you go in the natural entrance, and do the Big Room, it could take from 4 hours up to whatever you like. The Kings and Queens Chamber guided tour takes about an hour.
What is the best time to visit Carlsbad Caverns?
The best time of year to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park is
winter, spring or fall
. Summers tend to be sweltering hot, with temperatures around 100+ degrees being the norm, and later in the summer, afternoon rains downpour across the desert.
How deep is the bottomless pit in Carlsbad Caverns?
Pit in Carlsbad Caverns that looks “bottomless” but is actually
140-feet
deep.
What is so special about Carlsbad Caverns?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
contains more than 119 limestone caves that are outstanding in the profusion, diversity, and beauty of their formations
. Caves are fragile environments that are affected by human activities and natural processes both underground and on the surface.
Can you see Carlsbad Caverns in one day?
Unlike many national parks, which are open 24 hours a day, Carlsbad Caverns has set hours of operation.
The visitor center is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm
. You are permitted to hike into the cave starting at 8:30 am. The park is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Can you drive through Carlsbad Caverns?
This is a 9 mile gravel road that makes a loop through Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It is shown on the map at the NPS website, and mentioned in guidebooks such as National Geographic’s Guide to the National Parks.
Can you take a backpack in Carlsbad Caverns?
All cavern tours require that you wear shirts and shoes.
Metal framed backpacks or backpacks that extend above the shoulders or of a length that extends below the hips are prohibited
(e.g. trekking backpacks). Walking sticks and canes are permitted on cave tours if medically necessary.
Can I visit Carlsbad Caverns right now?
Open: Visitor Center and Cavern
.
Is Carlsbad Caverns closing?
A temporary COVID-19 coronavirus closure at Carlsbad Caverns National Park was lifted
, according to the U.S. National Parks Service (NPS). The closure was lifted Tuesday after being put in place in March, according to the NPS website.
Can you watch the bats leave Carlsbad Caverns?
If you are here before late May, you are welcome to watch the bats exit the cavern nightly at the outdoor Bat Flight Amphitheater from the time they return from migration (usually mid-to-late April) until the Bat Flight Program begins Memorial Day weekend. Programs may be cancelled in the event of lightning.
What towns are near Carlsbad NM?
- Hagerman Heights, NM.
- San Jose, NM.
- West Carlsbad, NM.
- La Huerta, NM.
- Avalon, NM.
- Otis, NM.
- Four Forks, NM.
- Barber Crossing, NM.
Do you have to wear a mask in Carlsbad Caverns?
Alert 1 , Severity ,closure ,,COVID-19 Face Mask NoticeConsistent with CDC community level guidance,
face masks are currently optional for visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park inside all park buildings and the cavern
.
Are Carlsbad Cavern tours open?
COVID-19 Operations. Click for information about what to expect when visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors enjoy the Queen’s Chamber on the ranger-guided King’s Palace Tour.
All tours are temporarily suspended until further notice
.
What should I wear to Carlsbad Caverns?
The cave is a chilly 56 degrees with 90% humidity, so bring a sweater — even if it’s 100 degrees outside :). You’ll also want
closed-toed shoes with excellent traction
. Here are a few more things you’ll want to bring with you. There are no hotel options within Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
How long is the elevator ride at Carlsbad Caverns?
The Carlsbad Caverns elevator ride takes only
one minute
at a speed of nine miles per hour.
What time do the bats fly at Carlsbad Caverns?
What time do the bats come out of Carlsbad Caverns? The bats typically leave at 28 minutes past sunset, known as civil twilight. Depending on a number of factors. The bats typically return to the cave entrance
between 4 and 6 AM
, with the peak number of bats entering at dawn.
