Is Carlsbad Caverns open right now?
From the NPS
Current alerts
5 information
- 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. Igniting and maintaining an open fire must be done with materials that are commonly used for warmth and food preparations such as natural firewood or charcoal briquettes. Other materials such as flammable liquids, garbage, plastic, aerosol canisters, or other artificial substances are not permitted.
- 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.
More 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.
More 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.
More 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.
Checked Oct 1, 2026, 3:39 PM ET from the NPS alerts feed.
Opening hours (NPS)
Hours
monday 9:00AM - 2:30PM tuesday 9:00AM - 2:30PM wednesday 9:00AM - 2:30PM thursday 9:00AM - 2:30PM friday 9:00AM - 2:30PM saturday 9:00AM - 2:30PM sunday 9:00AM - 2:30PM
Before you go
- Entrance: $15 / person
- Reservation needed in 2026: Timed-entry reservation to enter Carlsbad Cavern (by elevator or on foot) Year-round
Carlsbad Caverns guide: crowds, fees & more →Reservations in 2026 →
FAQ
Carlsbad Caverns: open or closed?
- Is Carlsbad Caverns National Park open year-round?
- The National Park Service says: "Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open 24-hours a day. Visitor center hours and cave tour schedule vary throughout the year." Roads, campgrounds and visitor centers can still close for the season or for weather, so check current alerts.
- How do I check closures at Carlsbad Caverns?
- This page lists the park's current NPS alerts, refreshed hourly. The National Park Service's own current-conditions page for Carlsbad Caverns is the authority for road status and closures.
Sources · 3
- 1.Carlsbad Caverns National Park — current conditions · National Park Service
- 2.NPS Data API — alerts · National Park Service
- 3.NPS Visitor Use Statistics — monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (IRMA stats REST service) · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior) — Visitor Use Statistics Program
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