Visiting Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is a fun experience for both adults and children. There are several self-guided and ranger-guided tours available that will appeal to different age levels and abilities. Each tour highlights different areas of the cave, so taking more than one tour is often worthwhile.
Check which ranger-guided tours are available on your visiting day. Two self-guided tours are available daily.
Consider your group's physical constraints and overall fitness level. Tour lengths vary in length from 1-1/2 hours to 4 hours. The Big Room self-guided tour is mostly wheel-chair accessible. The Left Hand Tunnel is the easiest ranger-guided tour. Other tour require ascending steep hills, climbing ladders or even crawling.
Review minimum age requirements, which range from four to twelve years for all ranger-guided tours. Self-guided tours may be suitable for younger children.
Avoid tours that require you to face fears of heights or darkness. The Lower Cave Tour and Hall of the White Giants both require scaling a ladder. The Kings Palace tour includes blackouts.
Decide if you want to crawl in tight spaces and get dirty. Bring hiking boots, long pants, knee pads and gloves for tours that involve crawling like the Hall of the Great White Giants.
Self-guided tours are included in the entrance fee while each ranger-guided tour is a separate fee.
Make advanced reservations for ranger-guided tours.
