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.

National ParkDesignation
NMState
69°FTemperature
AQI 42Good
LIVE · SYNCED FROM THE NPS

In the park right now

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.

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Park Closure Temporary Phone Number — (575) 243-2914

We are currently experiencing an extended phone service outage affecting our main park phone lines. If you have questions or need assistance, please call (575) 243-2914 to speak with a staff member. This temporary...

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...

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...

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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.

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69°F
TonightMostly Clear💨 5 to 15 mph
Thursday91°Sunny
Thursday Night70°Mostly Clear
Friday92°Sunny
NOAA · api.weather.gov
WEBCAMS 1 camera working now 1 on record at Carlsbad Caverns National Park See the park right now →
42
AIR QUALITY · AQI Good Main pollutant: OZONE
as of Jul 30, 03:00 UTC AirNow.gov · EPA/NOAA/NPS
SLEEP CLOSE TO THE GATE · HONEST LOCATION MATH

Where to stay

Which side of Carlsbad Caverns National Park actually saves you drive time — with live rates, not "top-10 from nowhere".

🏕️ In-park & campgrounds

Wake up inside the gate — first light at the trailhead, no morning commute.

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🛏️ Gateway-town hotels

Rooms minutes from the entrance with pools, breakfast and parking.

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🚐 RV & camper vans

Bring the room with you — 63 parks from your own window.

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PARTNER LINKS · RATES SHOWN ON THE PARTNER SITE

GETTING THERE

Plan the drive in

✈️ Nearest airports

We map the closest regional and major airports for each park we cover in depth.

🚗 Rental cars

A car is essential at most parks — book early for summer and holiday weekends.

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🅿️ Parking & shuttles

Where lots fill by 8 AM and which shuttle skips the stress — see "Know before you go" above.

GUIDED TOURS

Book a guide

🌅 Sunrise & summit tours

Beat the crowds with a local guide who knows the timing.

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🚤 Signature experiences

Boat, wildlife and scenic tours matched to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

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👪 Family-friendly outings

Easy, kid-approved guided trips with real outfitters.

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