Carlsbad Cavern Natural Entrance — Local services in Carlsbad

I had a reservation for cave entrance between 1:15 and 2:15pm on a Thursday mid-April. Got to the visitor center around 1:30pm and spent some time there. You have to take your reservation proof to the counter once you enter, and they give you a green slip which then gets you entry to the cave. The staff was super friendly and informative. I walked down and took the elevator up, total time around 1.5 hours. The drive up to the visitor center is also quite scenic.

The caves are vast. It's worth going to the end and doing the full loop of the Big Room. There are restrooms and a gift shop inside the caves, next to the elevator. The path is paved throughout and only a couple of spots where you need to watch your head. You will get a strong smell of bat poop when you enter the cave but it goes...

Carlsbad Caverns is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that should be on everyone's bucket list. These caverns are a truly unique and fascinating sight to behold, with their stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been carved out over millions of years. The scale and depth of the caverns is truly breathtaking, and the various guided tours allow you to explore different areas of this underground marvel. With the option to witness the bat flight program, where thousands of bats emerge from the cave at dusk, it is a truly unforgettable experience that is both educational and fun for all ages. I would highly recommend Carlsbad Caverns to anyone looking to explore the beauty and wonder of our...

I grew up going to Lurray Caverns, but man oh man! This cavern is beyond words! We got to explore the caverns during the day, then come back for the bats exiting for the evening, what an experience! The natural wonders of this cavern and vast size is mind boggling.

Wear hiking books or good sneakers with non slip soles. The walkways are nice and have railings, but the floor still has wet spots that can be slippery. Also best to dress in layers depending on natural body temperature. It’s wonderfully cool throughout the cavern all year round, but as you start your trek you may warm up and wish for...