Visitors are able to make Self-Guided Tour reservations at a cost of $1.00 per person.  You may view the Summary of Fees. 

****In addition to the reservation fee, the park charges an entrance fee payable upon arrival. The park also honors Interagency Passes (Senior, Access, 4th Grade, etc.). Please visit Carlsbad Caverns Fees & Passes page for details.**** 

Before booking, please review the tour details for each tour, which may include age or other restrictions. 

Tucked beneath the scenic and rugged Chihuahuan Desert, in the rocky slopes and deep canyons of Guadalupe Mountain range you will find Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Come explore the largest chambered cavern in North America.    

The Guadalupe Mountains are an uplifted portion of ancient reef, which thrived along the edge of an inland sea more than 250 million years ago. Preserved in the rocks are the ancient bodies of sponges, algae, snails, nautilus and more. This fossil reef formed the caves beneath the surface. Over time, sulfuric acid dissolved into surrounding limestone, creating stunning rock formations jutting down from the cave ceilings. More than 300,000 visitors travel to Carlsbad Caverns each year for a rare glimpse of the underground worlds preserved beneath the desert.  

Visitors may choose to hike the steep one and a quarter mile paved trail entering through the cave's Natural Entrance, which leads them into the spectacular one and a quarter mile Big Room trail. Or, you can simply take an elevator ride from the Visitor Center directly to the Big Room trail.