Established to preserve Carlsbad Cavern and numerous other caves within a Permian-age fossil reef, the park contains more than 100 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave—the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and third longest.
Carlsbad Cavern, with one of the world's largest underground chambers and countless formations, is highly accessible, with a variety of tours offered year-round.

Operating Hours & Seasons

The park is open every day except for December 25.
* EXPANDED HOURS:
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tours available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. LAST ENTRY INTO CAVE VIA NATURAL ENTRANCE IS 3:30. LAST ENTRY INTO CAVE VIA ELEVATOR IS AT 5:00.

* REGULAR HOURS:
After Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tours available 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. LAST ENTRY INTO CAVE VIA NATURAL ENTRANCE IS 2:00. LAST ENTRY INTO CAVE VIA ELEVATOR IS AT 3:30.

Please note: Beginning on the first Sunday in April, Carlsbad Caverns is on Mountain Daylight Saving Time; Mountain Standard Time begins on the last Sunday in October.