New Mexico · National Park
Carlsbad Caverns: tour or DIY?
Checked Oct 26, 2026 · Source: NPS
Carlsbad Caverns charges $15 per person aged 16 and over, and the National Park Service lists no per-vehicle fee (checked Oct 26, 2026). Because the fee is per person, bigger groups get no entrance discount. March is busiest, with 13% of 2025 recreation visits. Use the calculator to compare a real tour quote with your own costs.
No group discount at the gate
The $15 fee is charged per adult, so DIY entry cost grows with the size of your party. Compare it with a tour that includes entry.
We do not print tour prices here because we do not have a live, licensed feed for them. Enter a real quote in the calculator and we prefill this park’s fee.
| Party | Entrance total | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15 | $15 |
| 2 people | $30 | $15 |
| 4 people | $60 | $15 |
| 6 people | $90 | $15 |
Arithmetic on the NPS fee of $15. Per-person fees apply to ages 16 and over; younger visitors are generally free.
Entrance fees
| Fee | Cost | Notes from NPS |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Entry Reservation - Location | $1 | A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center. Time entry reservations ensure a more enjoyable experience and helps to protect the cave formations. |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Entrance fee provides access to Carlsbad Cavern by elevator and hiking in. Ranger-guided tours are an additional fee and can be reserved on recreation.gov. |
Source: nps.gov fees and passes for Carlsbad Caverns via the NPS API, checked Oct 26, 2026. Fees change; confirm before you go.
Pass math
- At $15 per adult, the $80 America the Beautiful pass equals about 6 adult entries in total.
- Seniors 62+ pay $20 for an annual pass or $80 for lifetime.
When it is busiest
NPS recreation visits by month, 2025. March had 13% of the year.
Show the numbers
| Month | Recreation visits |
|---|---|
| January | 23,733 |
| February | 22,343 |
| March | 54,906 |
| April | 33,579 |
| May | 34,368 |
| June | 50,337 |
| July | 51,590 |
| August | 36,492 |
| September | 32,884 |
| October | 0 |
| November | 30,161 |
| December | 40,385 |
Source: NPS IRMA Stats, recreation visitors, 2025, pulled Oct 26, 2026.
Alerts right now
5 active NPS alerts when we checked on Oct 26, 2026. Showing the most serious first.
Information Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions have been lifted at Carlsbad Caverns which means that fires such as charcoal fires in grills and the use of camp stoves or portable grills will be allowed. Details on nps.gov
Information Closures Due to Flood Damage
Some areas of the park including Walnut Canyon Desert Drive and some trails remain closed after extensive flood damage. The main park road to the visitor center and cavern is open. Details on nps.gov
Information Items Worn or Used in Other Caves Not Allowed
A disease known as White-Nose Syndrome is killing bats in North America. To prevent it from spreading to our bats, do not wear shoes, clothing, or bring any gear into any cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park that were in another cave. Details on nps.gov
Information Timed Entry Ticket Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern
Reservations are highly recommended and can be purchased by clicking "more" or calling 877-444-6777. Reservations only select the entry time. Upon arrival at the visitor center, an entrance pass must be purchased. Details on nps.gov
Information Footwear in the Cavern
For safety, closed-toe shoes with good traction are recommended. Flip flops, sandals, and some walking shoes have little or no traction and increase the possibility of slips, trips, and falls. Watch your step and use the handrails when necessary. Details on nps.gov
Source: NPS API alerts, checked Oct 26, 2026. Conditions change by the hour; check the park page before you drive.
Hours and access
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year.
Source: NPS API operating hours, checked Oct 26, 2026.
What NPS lists to do here
- Astronomy
- Birdwatching
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Camping
- Caving
- Dining
- Food
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Park Film
- Picnicking
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Shopping
- Stargazing
- Wildlife Watching
Source: NPS API activity tags, checked Oct 26, 2026.
Got a tour quote for Carlsbad Caverns?
Put it next to your own costs and see the break-even.
Open the calculator for Carlsbad CavernsQuestions
How much does it cost to enter Carlsbad Caverns?
The NPS lists $15 per person aged 16 and over (checked Oct 26, 2026). Under-16s are generally free; confirm on the park page.
When is Carlsbad Caverns busiest?
March had the most recreation visits in 2025 (13% of the year). October had the fewest. Source: NPS IRMA Stats.
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TourOrDIY is independent and not affiliated with the National Park Service. Numbers are copied from NPS public data on Oct 26, 2026 and may have changed. See the accuracy disclaimer and our method.