Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour
Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour
Carlsbad Caverns Natural Entrance Tour
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Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
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Travelers' Choice
2022
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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SS_Forever
Dallas, TX382 contributions
Jun 2022
This trip was with my kids and grandkids 13 total. You have to get your time slot at recration.gov which is $1.00 a person to hold. They give you an hour window to arrive with no restriction on time to leave.
We did the early slot 8:30 to 9:30am. After taking time at the entrance sign for some family photos we arrived at the main building to check in an purchase tickets. We have purchased the National Park Pass which got most of us in free and our son who is a veteran was able to get a free National Park Pass on site which got the rest of us in Free.
Walking thru the Natural entrance is a must at least once, Light jackets and good shoes are a must. It can be a steady decline for long periods and wet. So watch your footing and use your hiking knowledge of heal toe. It took us about hour an 20 mins to get to the The big room. By the time we reached this point we had some hungry kiddos. As they say no food expect water in cavern I felt for them.
No problem snack bar at this point with restrooms. As we had taken the early slot it was not open yet. Also did not know the big room is a loop on its own and takes another 1 to 2 hours to do it all. Who would not want to do this after driving so far to come here?? So we got the kids to power thru.
Next time I will pack granola bars or quick snack for when we reach this point and they can re-charge. Or get my time slot to line up with snack bar hours (but this could be a more crowded time). Also if you can't walk that far you can take the elevator down from the main building and just do this area. Note if in a wheel chair or have trouble walking you won't be able to do the full loop in the big room as there are some narrow walk ways in one section.
Also when we were there the fires had most of the outer roads closed off. Hoping to return one day and explore more. It is beautiful here.
Bat Viewing. We did not do this the day we toured the cave as due to rain showers the ranger said they don't typically come out and had not the last two days. So we waited a day and returned. There is no charge for this and the outside bathrooms at the main building are open to use. When we arrived it had been raining but stopped before dusk and we got a great show. It was great and the kids loved it.
We did the early slot 8:30 to 9:30am. After taking time at the entrance sign for some family photos we arrived at the main building to check in an purchase tickets. We have purchased the National Park Pass which got most of us in free and our son who is a veteran was able to get a free National Park Pass on site which got the rest of us in Free.
Walking thru the Natural entrance is a must at least once, Light jackets and good shoes are a must. It can be a steady decline for long periods and wet. So watch your footing and use your hiking knowledge of heal toe. It took us about hour an 20 mins to get to the The big room. By the time we reached this point we had some hungry kiddos. As they say no food expect water in cavern I felt for them.
No problem snack bar at this point with restrooms. As we had taken the early slot it was not open yet. Also did not know the big room is a loop on its own and takes another 1 to 2 hours to do it all. Who would not want to do this after driving so far to come here?? So we got the kids to power thru.
Next time I will pack granola bars or quick snack for when we reach this point and they can re-charge. Or get my time slot to line up with snack bar hours (but this could be a more crowded time). Also if you can't walk that far you can take the elevator down from the main building and just do this area. Note if in a wheel chair or have trouble walking you won't be able to do the full loop in the big room as there are some narrow walk ways in one section.
Also when we were there the fires had most of the outer roads closed off. Hoping to return one day and explore more. It is beautiful here.
Bat Viewing. We did not do this the day we toured the cave as due to rain showers the ranger said they don't typically come out and had not the last two days. So we waited a day and returned. There is no charge for this and the outside bathrooms at the main building are open to use. When we arrived it had been raining but stopped before dusk and we got a great show. It was great and the kids loved it.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tleeEvans
Houston, TX897 contributions
May 2022
Went over Memorial Day to visit NP in this area of the country. Stopped first at the Carlsbad Caverns. Once entering the park entrance it is a 7 mile drive to the visitor center where you will get checked in for your cave ticket. Make sure you go on line a receiver a day and time you want to go, as to enter in the cave you must have a reservation. to just drive up the the top and walk around you do not. However since they are in a drought, all the trails are closed, even the 9 mile driving loop. We opted to do the natural entrance walk down to the high room. the walk down can be slippery, so were good shoes and take a light jacket as it is cool in the cave. If you have any type of breathing or heart conditions I would recommend to ride the elevator down. But by walking down you will see a lot of interesting formations that are not in the big room. Also stop by the gift shop and pay the $5.00 for the hand held device that you can listen to at designated stops along the walking path to here interesting facts. The cave is awesome, take about 2 hours to stop and look at the formations and read the signs. We went trice the time were were there, two different days, and the second time we rode the elevators down and walked out. the walk out is not that hard, but agin if any respiratory, heart of joint problems, take the elevator back up. They did have the small nature trail open that is at the end of the parkng lot. Saw a haven
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sally Thoe Downs
Albuquerque, NM5,150 contributions
Sep 2020
We toured the Carlsbad Caverns in late September with visiting friends from Fresno CA and it was definitely one for the highlight reel. The Carlsbad Caverns are stunning in both quality of the formations, as well as the sheer size of the cavern itself. We did the 2.5 mile hike which starts from the top at the 'Natural Entrance' down 700ft to the 'Big Room'.
It is a bit nippy in the caverns, so layers are recommended for guests. Also, sturdy and comfortable shoes are a key thing to have because the walking is a bit long, and the floor isn't the best for your normal tennis shoes. For buying tickets, get to the site early because they do have a cut off time for buying and they allow visitors in batches at 15 minutes interval. We were there at 9.45am and got tickets for 10.30am. Usually mid morning would be the best time to arrive. It was truly a splendor! Great hike with breathtaking scenery and no matter how tired you are the BIG ROOM is one you must not give it a pass. It is worth every step you take. This is Mother Nature at her very best!
It is a bit nippy in the caverns, so layers are recommended for guests. Also, sturdy and comfortable shoes are a key thing to have because the walking is a bit long, and the floor isn't the best for your normal tennis shoes. For buying tickets, get to the site early because they do have a cut off time for buying and they allow visitors in batches at 15 minutes interval. We were there at 9.45am and got tickets for 10.30am. Usually mid morning would be the best time to arrive. It was truly a splendor! Great hike with breathtaking scenery and no matter how tired you are the BIG ROOM is one you must not give it a pass. It is worth every step you take. This is Mother Nature at her very best!
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom O
Peoria, AZ135 contributions
Sep 2021
The experience began the night before the cavern tour with the "bat flight" at the outside amphitheatre. At dusk thousands of Brazilian tailless bats leave the cave in search of insects to dine on it the desert. You silently sit in the seats amazed as they leave, circle above you - closer than you'd imagines - sometimes "buzz" you and eventually form up into a large group and head out. Just awesome to experience this. The cavern tour is now self guided which we preferred. I took maybe 60 pics, 10 videos and it just got more and more impressive for me. Of all the national parks I've been to and the natural wonder I've seen for me these caverns own the top spot. I was just floored by the formations. The park does a fantastic job with lighting, safety, presenting the interior high lights, etc. In my opinion you must see Carlsbad Caverns at some point in your life.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lee H
London, UK310 contributions
Jun 2021
We are so happy we decided to walk down instead of just doing the elevator. You miss out on a lot of spectacular features if you do the elevator.
I highly recommend spending the $5.00 on the audio guide that features 50 different narrations stations throughout your visit.
Do take a jacket. We both had them but still got cold during our visit. Should have worn socks with my sandals. We spent about 3 hours in the caverns. It was 112 outside but is 57 degrees in the cave.
Put your cell phone in Airplane mode to save the battery while in the caverns.
I highly recommend spending the $5.00 on the audio guide that features 50 different narrations stations throughout your visit.
Do take a jacket. We both had them but still got cold during our visit. Should have worn socks with my sandals. We spent about 3 hours in the caverns. It was 112 outside but is 57 degrees in the cave.
Put your cell phone in Airplane mode to save the battery while in the caverns.
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
#chaudhry50
Saratoga, CA147 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Okay i will update this more but here is what you should know. To book to come here, you should go to their main website and reserve a time. When you show up to the visitor’s center within the hour’s window of your booked time, skip the long ticket line and let them know you’re here. They’ll direct you to purchase your tickets.
Now if you tried to reserve a time and the date was greyed out, that means that 75% of the reservations are made. That doesn’t mean you can’t get in, just that you’ll have to wait in the line and try your luck. To go without a reservation and to actually make it to the park, show up at least 90 mins before the opening time. I was there at 6:30 this morning and I was number 40ish.
At 8 the park staff will open the doors. They’ll walk down the waiting line and filter out folks who already have reservations. The ones that don’t, they’ll count on a clicker. When they’ve reached capacity on their counter, they may tell you they’re full for the day. You can hang out to confirm this.This rule may change but as of this morning their capacity for the entire day is 1000 people they’ll let through. No guided tours.
A few things to note:
Your whole crew doesn’t need to wait in the line.
When you purchase your tickets you may ask to reserve a later time. I purchased my tickets at 8:30am and asked for 12:30pm reservation (same day). My family hung out at the hotel. What that means is that between 12:30 and 1:30, is when I’ll have to bring my group in. This is all based on availability.
They have bathrooms on site.
Kids 16 and under are free.
Now if you tried to reserve a time and the date was greyed out, that means that 75% of the reservations are made. That doesn’t mean you can’t get in, just that you’ll have to wait in the line and try your luck. To go without a reservation and to actually make it to the park, show up at least 90 mins before the opening time. I was there at 6:30 this morning and I was number 40ish.
At 8 the park staff will open the doors. They’ll walk down the waiting line and filter out folks who already have reservations. The ones that don’t, they’ll count on a clicker. When they’ve reached capacity on their counter, they may tell you they’re full for the day. You can hang out to confirm this.This rule may change but as of this morning their capacity for the entire day is 1000 people they’ll let through. No guided tours.
A few things to note:
Your whole crew doesn’t need to wait in the line.
When you purchase your tickets you may ask to reserve a later time. I purchased my tickets at 8:30am and asked for 12:30pm reservation (same day). My family hung out at the hotel. What that means is that between 12:30 and 1:30, is when I’ll have to bring my group in. This is all based on availability.
They have bathrooms on site.
Kids 16 and under are free.
Written March 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vishtron
Houston, TX20 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Visited Carlsbad caverns over a weekend and it’s unlike any other national park I’ve been to. The main attraction is the cavern tour, the self tours are by reservation only for now.
The hike from start to finish was about 2.75 miles. We took the trail down but the elevator back up. Interesting to see different stalactites and stalagmites some of them growing as I write this. There is a 750 foot drop in elevation and bring your jackets as it’s a constant 56 in the cave.
Outside the cavern the park doesn’t have much to do other than a few small hikes and the “scenic drive”. We were lucky to Spot big horn sheep at sunset though.
The hike from start to finish was about 2.75 miles. We took the trail down but the elevator back up. Interesting to see different stalactites and stalagmites some of them growing as I write this. There is a 750 foot drop in elevation and bring your jackets as it’s a constant 56 in the cave.
Outside the cavern the park doesn’t have much to do other than a few small hikes and the “scenic drive”. We were lucky to Spot big horn sheep at sunset though.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,217 contributions
Oct 2021
Reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns which can either be made online at recreation.gov or in person. If you make your reservations in person, there is a risk of the tickets selling out. We made our reservations online and paid $1 per person. On the day of visit, you go to the Visitor Center to pick up your tickets. They asked to see our Park Pass and asked if we preferred to take the elevator or go through the Natural Entrance.
The Natural Entrance is 1.25 miles long and leads to the Big Room. I highly recommend taking the Natural Entrance. It is downhill and an extremely interesting way to enter the cave. In some parts, the path is a little dark but there are handrails. We took the elevator to come back to the Visitor Center.
The Natural Entrance is 1.25 miles long and leads to the Big Room. I highly recommend taking the Natural Entrance. It is downhill and an extremely interesting way to enter the cave. In some parts, the path is a little dark but there are handrails. We took the elevator to come back to the Visitor Center.
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Korilee75
Milan, NM72 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Go.early. And I mean if you arrive after 7:15 am then you won’t get a ticket. Right now they are only selling 800 tickets per day and the line starts at 4:45 am. But, once you get there, it’s breathtaking...it IS a long walk but totally worth it. The views are spectacular. I highly recommend the caverns.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2skidivers
Silverthorne, CO368 contributions
Oct 2020
Because of the COVID-19 requirements, this is not as good as it can be. The good part is they limit the number of visitors to 1000 (recently increased form 800) so the paved trail is not crowded. You are allowed to enter of groups of about 35 every 15 minutes. Tickets are available on first come first serve. We didn't get there until 9AM and were able to enter at 10AM. We took the natural entrance and walked down switchbacks to the restaurant 750 feet below. It took a little over an hour. After a stop in the restroom, we walked through the Big Room which was about another hour. The formations here were more impressive. If your time is limited, you may be allowed to take the elevator down and just see the Big Room. Coming back, you need to take the elevator. It was about a 30 minute wait for the elevator because of social distancing and only related groups were allowed in the 16 passenger elevators. I think during normal operation, you can either enter the natural entrance or take the elevator and people may be walling both ways on the trails. This place would be a great escape from the hot weather outside because the temperature is always 56 degrees F.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ironokole
Honolulu, Hawaii17 contributions
Can you use a electric wheelchair?
Jill M
Albuquerque, NM122 contributions
Yes. Having spent time in a wheelchair, I pay attention to that wherever I go. The few places that are too steep or slick are clearly marked as not wheelchair accessible with an alternative option.
Zuolin C
Houston, Texas, USA5 contributions
If I take the elevator down to the Big Room (vs taking the Natural Entrance Trail), is there anything that I would miss by having taken the elevator? I have 4 kids (ages 1 in a carrier, 3, 5 and 7) but they are well traveled and have hiked 4+ miles through other caves like Mammoth Caves. I would consider taking the kids down the Natural Entrance Trail but if it's just cave walls (vs formations etc) we may just skip and take the elevator down. Not really concerned about darkness and the kids scared of the cave environment.
stork90
Mount Juliet, TN1,280 contributions
The Natural Entrance was really cool to walk down and through. There are a good number of formations that are well lit, and you think are really neat, but then you get into the main cavern and appreciate just how awesome it is! I'd recommend walking down the trail, and then taking the elevator back out - but be prepared for long lines.
Peri H
Chicago, IL31 contributions
Can we explore inside the caverns during the government shut down?
KennethCalif
Huntington Beach, CA120 contributions
Obviously not because you can’t access to the inside when the gate is closed!
Olia551806
San Francisco, CA2 contributions
Hi, Stupid question where to book a tour, can not find it anywhere?Thank you
Jerome M
Gary, IN1,596 contributions
If you have a annual senior national park pass, there is no cost to go into the caverns, other wise buy ticket at the gate.
sandraacomer
Charlotte, NC1 contribution
Does anyone know what time the bat program is on Nov 3rd?
sherylsr
Blanco, TX376 contributions
The bats will be long gone by then. Try next summer?
Wheelchair accessible???
anacotton27
Evansville, IN296 contributions
I did not see any, that even said no strollers.
But you can actually visit their website call them. But to be honest I did not see any.
Karen P
Columbus3 contributions
The website states hiking into the caverns only until 3:30 yet last admission ticket is sold st 4:45. So which is it?
anacotton27
Evansville, IN296 contributions
Yes it is confusing... I believe they want all visitors to start hiking before 4pm. I know the hike is about 1 hour going and another 1 hiking up. When I went I make sure to call first and their recommendation was to be there early since it was a memorial day weekend. It was actually good going early since lines to buy tickets and go in caverns after noon are long. You also see a lot of turist buses coming in right after lunch time. So it does get busy.
If you are planing to hike up it might take longer. Hope this helps if you do have any questions that I was not able to help you with call the caverns they are super nice and answer all your questions.
Sapphire S
54 contributions
If we do a ranger tour of lower caverns, do we also get to see the big room and natural entrance? Or does each require separate tickets?
ki0ki
Williamsburg, VA6,298 contributions
extra for the ranger led tour
sherylsr
Blanco, TX376 contributions
If we take the Natural Entrance tour, will that take us to the snack area? I remember seeing that as a teen in the ‘70s. What do they serve now?
WanderingSpriti
Chicago, IL240 contributions
We did not eat there but there is a snack area off the big room end / entrance. We ate upstairs which has better choice.
Travel_Addict_Cyprus
Michigan1,051 contributions
Hi, some reviews talk about seeing bats at the Natural Entrance flying out for the evening. We were visiting in late December. How can I make sure that we get to see bats flying out? What time does that take place in December?
thanks!
WanderingSpriti
Chicago, IL240 contributions
No bats in December. I was there in December. Bat season is May - October. The NP website offers good information on all this. Do check it out.