NM · Southwest · 2026 exact answer
Carlsbad Caverns entrance fee at Carlsbad Caverns: what applies in 2026?
Direct answer
Carlsbad Caverns entrance fee ($15 per person, no vehicle fee)
Exact conditions
- Status
- Required under the listed conditions
- Applies to
- all visitors
- Place or corridor
- Visitor center
- Effective dates
- January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Published fee
- $15
- Release model
- on sale now
Fee detail: $15.00 per person for visitors 16 and over. Purchased in person at the visitor center (cash or credit/debit). This is separate from the $1 timed entry reservation.
Exceptions and limits
- Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass.
- Free on the eight 2026 fee-free dates - but the $1 timed entry reservation still applies.
- America the Beautiful passes cover this fee.
Official source
National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026
An entrance fee is required to enter Carlsbad Cavern and provides access by elevator and hiking in. ... Per Person $15.00 ... All visitors over the age of 16 need an entrance pass, including vehicle passengers.
Fees & Passes - Carlsbad Caverns National Park