Lower Cave Tour

The Texas Toothpick is one of many formations you'll see on the Lower Cave Tour in Carlsbad Cavern.

NPS / Peter Jones

In 1924, National Geographic expedition members wrote about the wonders of Lower Cave. Visitors today can see the evidence left behind from those and other explorers. Highlights of this tour include "The Rookery," with countless nests of cave pearls, the "Colonel Boles Formation," and an incredible diversity of cave formations that compete for your attention everywhere you look. Included in the tour is a descent of 60 feet (18.3 m) of ladders and a knotted rope to hang onto as you slowly walk backward down a slope at the tour entrance.

Reservations are required for the Lower Cave Tour. To make reservations, go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. 

If you are attending Lower Cave tour you are not able to attend King's Palace tour on the same day.

Tour Limit: 12 people

Requirements:

• Participants must be able to safely negotiate cave passages containing fragile formations without harm to the cave, themselves, or others.
• You will receive a mandatory safety orientation before you venture into the cave.
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes with good aggressive tread are required. Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. No sandals, flip flops, tennis shoes, or similar. You will not be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear—no exceptions. Click for more details.
• Only very small fanny packs or very small camera bags are permitted on the tour.
• The park will provide helmets with lights and gloves. Due to the possibility of carrying the lethal fungus that causes White-Nose Syndrome in bats, we do no allow anyone to use their own personal caving gear.
• All visitors are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico. Click for more information.

Note: Caving is inherently risky and cave rescues are difficult, dangerous, and take hours to accomplish.

Details

Duration

3 Hours

Activity

Guided Tours

Age(s)

12 and Older

Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

$20 for adults and $10 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders.

Location

Lower Cave Tour

Reservations

Yes

To make reservations go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Check the tour schedule on the park's website or go to Recreation.gov.

Accessibility Information

There are ladders to enter and exit Lower Cave. Trail is narrow and unpaved.