“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.
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Know Before You Go
Note
- This audio tour does not use GPS, so the recordings won’t start automatically according to your location. The stops are organized in a suggested order—swipe through them sequentially for the best experience. You can also use the “Stop List” to skip ahead or return to previous stops when you wish.
- 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.
2026 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 Wi-Fi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple.
- 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.
Carlsbad Caverns Audio Tour Stops
Things to do on the Tour Include:
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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
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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 via GPS, hands‑free.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Tours are valid forever.
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 Wi-Fi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, get travel tips, hear narrated guides, and see hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
