Welcome to the Carlsbad Caverns Tour
Delve 750 feet underground with this self-guided walking tour of the unbelievably vast Carlsbad Caverns. Marvel at the enormous echoing spaces of the aptly-named Big Room. Immerse yourself in a strange new world in the cave system’s Twilight Zone. Learn how the weird and fascinating rock formations actually form. As you stroll along the Natural Entrance Trail and Big Room Trail, you’ll also hear all about the story of Jim White, perhaps the first explorer of these caves over a century ago.
About the Tour
Your Carlsbad Caverns tour begins near the start of the Natural Entrance Trail. From there, you’ll begin your descent into the caverns, taking a moment to learn about the cave swallows flitting in and out of the entrance as you do.
During your 750-foot descent into the bowels of the cave system, you’ll learn all about Jim White, who found the caves as a boy and explored them on his own for years. Follow his story as you marvel at the breathtaking vistas and immense chambers of ancient rock.
You’ll learn how different formations are created, from stalactites and stalagmites to more complex shapes like curtains and straws. Look at the enormous Iceberg Rock, which crashed down from the ceiling hundreds of thousands of years ago.
At the bottom of the Natural Entrance Trail, you’ll find a seemingly impossible lunch room situated deep underground, where you can pause before embarking on the Big Room Trail, the park’s main attraction.
Following the Big Room Trail, you’ll hear more about the caves’ formation and discover how this amazing place became a national park. Witness startling landmarks like the Mirror Pool, the Bottomless Pit, and more as you explore this unbelievably vast cavern.
Eventually, you’ll loop around and end up back at the lunch room, where elevators await you back up to the surface. Your tour concludes here.
Note
While this tour is a must-have, you will also need to buy the ticket from the NPS website. Here’s the link to purchase the ticket: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/fees.htm
2024 Updates:
Timed entry reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These timed entry reservations are required all year, with the only exceptions being the days the park is closed (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Reservations cost $1 which is in addition to the $15 park entrance fee. They are released 30 days in advance.
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Where To Start?
Start at the Carlsbad Cavern Natural Entrance: NM 88220, United States
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
What You'll See
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Welcome
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Midden Ring
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Cave Swallows
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Meet Jim White
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Cave Development
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Bat Cave
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Twilight Zone
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Devil's Spring
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Taffy Hill
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Devil's Den
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Speleothems
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Iceberg Rock
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Guano Goldmine
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Green Lake Overlook
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King's Palace
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Wooden Stairs
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Boneyard
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Big Room Trail
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Photographing the Caverns
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Colorful Caverns
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Big Room
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Billing Dove
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Lion's Tail
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Fairyland
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Temple of the Sun
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Caveman Junction
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Totem Pole
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National Geographic Pit
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Jumping Off Place
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Lucifer’s Lair
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Top of the Cross
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Mirror Lake
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Bottomless Pit
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Bat Roost
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Gypsum Blocks
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Jim the Ranger
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Crystal Spring Dome
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Pool of Sticks
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Rock of Ages
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Rock of Ages Overlook
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Longfellow’s Bathtub
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Painted Grotto
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The Zoo
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Chinese Theatre
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Trap Door
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Elevator Lobby
Preview The Tour
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
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