What to do when you can't get a cave tour reservation...

Cave Tours are often completely full

NPS / B. Mills

Cave Tours

Cave tours can be even harder to secure than campgrounds. These open up for reservation 30 days in advance and sometimes fill up the day they release in the busy parts of summer. It is incredibly rare to get full length cave tour tickets the same day as your arrival, and reservations are a must especially during our peak season (which lasts generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Same-day cancellations do not happen and arriving to the visitor center without a cave tour reservation will mean you are most likely not getting into the cave. What are your options?

Checking Recreation.gov regularly

Keep an eye on recreation.gov for cancellations ahead of time. Cancellations for small groups are not uncommon even a few days before the tour date. This just requires luck on the part of the individual making reservations and there is no surefire way to pick up cancelled tickets.

First-come, first-serve tours

When staffing permits and on many busy holiday weekends additional tours may be available. When available, tickets can sell out within minutes of the Visitor Center opening. Check in with Park Rangers on the day of your visit to see if these tours are available during your visit.