Carlsbad Caverns
A national park cavern you can enter on foot through the natural entrance or by elevator, with a timed-entry reservation needed every day of the year.
Carlsbad, NM, 56°F inside, from $15
2 caves in New Mexico run public tours. Here is what each one is like and how to visit.
Updated 2026-10-22. 2 of 2 checked in full against official sources.
A national park cavern you can enter on foot through the natural entrance or by elevator, with a timed-entry reservation needed every day of the year.
Carlsbad, NM, 56°F inside, from $15
Two self-guided trails on the Continental Divide: one to an ice cave that never rises above 31°F, one up the rim of Bandera Volcano.
Grants, NM, 31°F inside, from $14
| Cave | Inside | Adult ticket | Run by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlsbad Caverns | 56°F | $15 | National park / federal |
| Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano | 31°F | $14 | Privately operated |
2 show caves run public tours. We leave out wild caves that are closed, gated or need a permit.
Closed shoes with grip, because paths are often wet. Most caves stay between the high 40s and low 70s °F all year, so a light layer is enough.