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.
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $1 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Timed Entry Reservation - Location: $1Entrance - Per Person: $15
- HoursCarlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 5757852232 · cave_park_information@nps.gov
To access the park's only entrance road, New Mexico Highway 7, turn north from US Hwy 62/180 at White's City, NM, which is 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Carlsbad, NM and 145 miles (233 km) northeast of El Paso, TX. The entrance road stretches a scenic seven miles (11.3 km) from the park gate at Whit
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Carlsbad Caverns National Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you camp at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail, Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail (Old Guano Road), Double Canyon, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Nearby sites
Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area
ConfirmedThis site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Lonesome Ridge Wilderness Study Area
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.