Last updated: January 8, 2026
Beauty and Wonder; Above and Below
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.
Timed Entry Tickets Required
Reservations strongly recommended. Click the image above or call 877-444-6777. An entrance pass must also be purchased at the park.
Cavern Entrance Hours
Cavern entrance hours 9:30am - 2:30pm. Last ticket sold at 2:15pm
First-Time Visitors
Important information for first-time visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Plan Your Visit
Directions, hours, fees, things to do, and more.
Plan Like a Park Ranger
Top-10 tips for visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Learn About the Park
Nature, history, culture, photos, publications, and more.
Plan A Field Trip | Education Fee Waiver
Information about educational school visits to the park.
Gift Shop, Eating, and Sleeping
A variety of options are available.
Bookstore
The bookstore is operated by our non-profit partner that provides a variety of educational products.
Download the NPS App
Download the NPS App to plan your visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.