NM · Southwest · 2026 exact answer
Cavern entry window and last-entry cut-offs at Carlsbad Caverns: what applies in 2026?
Direct answer
Cavern entry window and last-entry cut-offs
Exact conditions
- Status
- Not required; the stated access rule still applies
- Applies to
- all visitors
- Place or corridor
- Carlsbad Cavern - Natural Entrance and elevator
- Effective dates
- January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Release model
- unpublished
Exceptions and limits
- Visitor center 9 am-5 pm.
- Elevator descending 9:30 am-2:30 pm; last elevator OUT of the cavern 4:45 pm.
- Hiking route entry 9:30 am-2:30 pm, complete hike out by 3:30 pm.
Official source
National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026
Last Cavern Entrance Ticket Sold 2:15 pm. Last Cavern Entrance 2:30 pm. Elevator INTO the Cavern 9:30 am-2:30 pm. Last Elevator OUT of the Cavern 4:45 pm.
Operating Hours & Seasons - Carlsbad Caverns National Park