NM · Southwest · 2026 exact answer
Carlsbad Cavern timed entry reservation at Carlsbad Caverns: what applies in 2026?
Direct answer
Carlsbad Cavern timed entry reservation - required to enter the cave
Exact conditions
- Status
- Required under the listed conditions
- Applies to
- all visitors
- Place or corridor
- Carlsbad Cavern (Natural Entrance route and elevator)
- Effective dates
- January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Published fee
- $1
- Release model
- rolling window
Release detail: Reservations are available 30 days in advance on Recreation.gov, with same-day booking cut off at 7 am MT on the day of the tour.
Fee detail: $1.00 per ticket, non-refundable Recreation.gov reservation fee, in addition to the $15 per-person park entrance fee. An America the Beautiful pass does not cover it.
Exceptions and limits
- Carlsbad Cavern is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years days.
- The reservation only selects an entry time - an entrance pass must still be purchased at the visitor center on arrival.
- Last cavern entrance ticket sold 2:15 pm; last cavern entrance 2:30 pm; last elevator out of the cavern 4:45 pm.
Official source
National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026
Carlsbad Cavern Reservation Jan 1-Dec 31 Required to Enter Carlsbad Cavern ... Cost $1.00 A timed entry reservation must be purchased to access Carlsbad Cavern. In addition, an entry pass must be purchased at the visitor center.
Fees & Passes - Carlsbad Caverns National Park