Operating Hours
Open year-round, except for December 25.

Visitation
Highest June - August, weekends & holidays. Lowest in January.

Permits
Tickets are required for all cave tours and are available for a fee from the visitor center. Reservations are recommended for guided cave tours but are not necessary for the basic self-guided tours of the Natural Entrance and Big Room. To make reservations by telephone call 1-800-967-CAVE.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: The Information Center has exhibits on bats, geology, history, and Lechuguilla Cave.

Programs: The park offers ranger-guided cave tours, audio-visual programs, talks, hikes, and demonstrations. A Cavern Audio Guide is available for self-guided cave tours. There are evening bat flight programs May - October.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: The Cavern Supply Company provides food service, kennels, and a gift shop at the visitor center (Tel:(505)785-2281). Restaurants, groceries, and fuel are available at nearby Whites City and the town of Carlsbad.

Concessions: The Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountains Association operates a large bookstore in the visitor center, with subjects including caves, bats, and the natural history of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Visitor Impact

Additional Information