“Beneath the desert, another world waits.”
Enter a realm carved by water, shaped in darkness, and hidden deep below the surface. Carlsbad Caverns isn’t just a cave. It’s an underground cathedral of stone spires, rippling curtains, and sacred silence.
With this self-guided audio tour, you’ll descend 750 feet into the Earth along the Natural Entrance Trail. Watch cave swallows flit through the light, then leave daylight behind as you enter the caverns’ eerie Twilight Zone. Shadows stretch. Ceilings vanish into blackness. Landmarks like Iceberg Rock and the Bottomless Pit reveal a restless, ancient story.
Follow in the footsteps of Jim White, the cowboy who first dared to explore these hidden depths. Hear his tale as you pass surreal formations: stalactites, stalagmites, and soda straws too delicate to exist, yet somehow eternal.
The Big Room lives up to its name. One of the largest underground chambers in North America, it swallows sound and stretches imagination. As you walk past Mirror Lake and Crystal Spring Dome, learn how acid, limestone, and time sculpted this masterpiece.
Wander through the stillness until you reach the elevator, your lift back to light and sky. But even after you emerge, don’t be surprised if the cave stays with you.
Disclaimer: No bats were consulted in the making of this tour, but they definitely had notes.
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
For all road closure updates and more, please visit the National Park Service website.
2025 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.
Looking to expand your tour?
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- Utah National Park Tours Bundle: Discover 10+ national parks with self-guided driving tours for $49.99 per car and save 68%.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
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.
Audio Story Highlights
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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.
