Last updated: June 29, 2023
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Plan Like a Park Ranger: Carlsbad Caverns Top-10 List
NPS / Michael Larson
Top-10 Tips for Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Timed entry tickets are required to experience Carlsbad Cavern and available online or by calling 877-444-6777. The reservation only reserves the time. Entrance tickets must be purchased at the visitor center.
Only clear water can be consumed to protect the cavern. No food or other drinks are permitted.
Explore Carlsbad Cavern on your own along two trails—the Big Room and Natural Entrance. Hike time is about 1.5 hours for the Big Room Trail and one hour for the steep Natural Entrance Trail.
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Experience caves that are only accessible with a ranger. Ranger-guided tours range from easy walks on a paved trail to more challenging off-trail opportunities.
Take photos, including flash, in the cavern to record your adventure. Just be aware of visitors around you.
Bird watchers and picnickers can enjoy Rattlesnake Springs, a less visited area of the park.
Watch about 400,000 Brazilian free-tail bats emerge from Carlsbad Cavern during the summer.
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Hike the short Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail to learn about the unique plants found in the park and to see two natural entrances to Carlsbad Cavern.
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Checkout the restaurant, gift shop, and non-profit bookstore in the visitor center. There are limited food options and a wide variety of products available for purchase as reminders of your visit.
Click for more tips to Plan Your Vacation Like a Park Ranger.