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4.6
122 votes

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220 USA

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Closed Now
Opens Fri 8a
  • Independent
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    Accepted
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
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“home to more than 117 known caves!”

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.

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Reviewed by
PrideTrip

  • 4 Reviews
  • 16 Helpful
May 31, 2014
Rated

Very impressive site. Make sure you take comfy shoes because there is a ton of walking. Make sure you can walk at least 4 miles. We saw a couple of older people having a difficult time so it's something to take into consideration if you want to walk the whole thing. There is also the option of taking the elevator down and that would suit some people better. The caverns are quite impressive. I loved them and had never seen anything like that. My husband has been 3 times and still loves them. The bat show in the evening wasn't so impressive like we expected. We waited around for it and we saw a few bats filter out but not a massive wave of them but then maybe we expected too much. Overall it was a great attraction and hope to take our kids one day.

12 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
JonesDee

  • 6 Reviews
  • 11 Helpful
April 07, 2015
Rated

We just went and it was great! Best part of our trip. We did the natural entrance in, walked the big room, then took the elevator up. It took about 3 1/2 hours total. The King's Palace tour was sold out for that day and the next, I didn't feel it was that busy so I would call ahead if you plan on doing a tour. We took our dog, pets are not allowed to stay in your vehicle if the temp is above 70 degrees. We have a Great Dane, their cages are not huge he was only able to enter and lay down but I know he was more comfortable then being left in the heat. It only cost $10.00 to kennel him. The entrance fee was $10.00/ adult, kids are free and the pass is good for three days.

7 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Sosatrip

  • 1 Review
  • 5 Helpful
June 08, 2015
Rated 5.0

We really enjoyed our trip to Carlsbad Caverns. Our group included 3 adults, 5 teens and an 11 year old and everyone was entertained. Unfortunately the park should have transitioned to summer hours, but the transition was delayed due to staffing issues. This mean that the natural entrance closed an hour and a half early so we missed the extra hike and used the elevator into the Big Room. Despite that snag, we still had an excellent time. The walk was about 1.5 miles but there is an optional short cut. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Bobtery46

  • 3 Reviews
  • 9 Helpful
May 05, 2015
Rated 5.0

To say impressive, unique or any other additive is a understatement to my wife and I. The natural entrance was closed due to weather concerns but the elevator was the best since we spent 5+ hours in the caverns. Of course we will rest well tonight. Be ready for plenty of walking and wear layers cause it is cool. We took the elevator back up for lunch and back down again. The break will do you good.

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
levin123

  • 12 Reviews
  • 8 Helpful
May 13, 2015
Rated 5.0

My cousin and I are going on a road trip throughout southwest USA and this was our second stop. First off, upon arrival you pay and then get "elevatored" down 750 feet which is pretty damn far down. You then take a trail around the cavern. It is quite manageable for anyone and wheelchair accessible. The caverns did not disappoint. It was a very unique experience and they honestly were cooler than I thought. I was thinking that it might be just a tourist trap, it was far from.

4 people found this review helpful
  • 3 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
May 27, 2015
Rated 4.0

Nice scenery leading to the cave with lots of downhill walking once inside its not to bad but your legs will get a good workout from it. Nice natuaral formations on the inside. Go early and avoid the crowds. There are kennels for your animals as well. Do not leave your animals in your car. The kennels are only $10 dollars.

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Kevin Wenrick

  • Road Warrior
  • 31 Reviews
  • 45 Helpful
October 05, 2014
Rated 5.0

Best caverns I've seen. We did the elevator entrance self tour. It was pretty easy going for us (60's) but there were a few places where the paved path was a little steep so that might be a consideration for some people. Definitely comfy walking shoes as another reviewer suggested.

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Wonson Family

  • Road Warrior
  • 13 Reviews
  • 16 Helpful
October 03, 2014
Rated 5.0

Not much else I can add here, except the kids LOVED it. But then, so did we adults! They have a really basic kennel to leave your dog while touring the cave, which we had to use since we were on a family vacation with our big ole dog. Not fancy, just a kennel and water. Buster was glad we came back, but otherwise unharmed. Also, we had to take the elevator since my daughter was on crutches, but got an excellent info session from the guide riding with us. Also, the kids were amazed at how long the elevator took to get to the bottom, although they could see the rock wall flying past us in the elevator window. Even taking "the short tour" was plenty of walking for a 4 year old and an 11 year old on crutches. We started at the underground cafe where we ate some cold sandwiches, wraps and salad in the glow of little LCD lanterns on the tables. The food was not fancy or great, but we enjoyed the experience of eating so far underground. Also, if you're bringing kids along, don't forget to grab your Junior Ranger booklets and fill them out to receive badges and become official Junior Rangers. Great time had by all!

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
texastorno5

  • 2 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
July 24, 2014
Rated 4.0

It blew me away you could walk so many miles underground. This is an impressive stop and took my family by surprise how amazing it was. We were on an RV trip in July, and this was our first stop. There were large vehicle spots for those traveling in an RV or those towing something. I would suggest getting there in the morning by 10. We had no crowds, but when we finished our touring, there were heavy lines extending in to the gift shop. There is a ton of walking, and if you choose to walk down, you can take the elevator up, or vice versa. There are benches and various spots you can sit and rest along the path. There were many people taking breaks. We definitely did not want to walk back up. if you have someone who would have trouble walking up or down a long graded path, they can still take the elevator down and tour the bottom of the cave. I highly recommend!

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
madsrune

  • 5 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
May 15, 2014
Rated

Situated in a beautiful landscape, the cavern elevators go 750 ft underground to reveal an enchanted alien landscape that is unlike anything you've ever seen (unless you've been there before).

3 people found this review helpful

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park

727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy
Carlsbad, New Mexico
88220 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Good for bird watching, hiking, and 3 more activities.

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    Parking
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    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
  • Unknown
    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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National park
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