Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [104]
VISITOR CENTER
The park visitor center is open daily 8am to 7pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day; self-guided cave tours can begin from 8:30am to 5pm. The rest of the year, the visitor center is open daily from 8am to 5:30pm, with self-guided cave tours from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Tour times and schedules may vary during slower times in the winter. The park is closed December 25.
At the visitor center are displays depicting the geology and history of the caverns, bats and other wildlife, and a three-dimensional model of Carlsbad Cavern. You can also get information about tours and other park activities, both below- and aboveground. The Carlsbad Caverns Guadalupe Mountains Association, 727 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy. (P.O. Box 1417), Carlsbad, NM 88220 (☎ 505/785-2486, or 505/785-2569 for orders; www.ccgma.org), operates the well-stocked bookstore.
Attached to the visitor center are a family-style restaurant (see "Where to Dine," later in this chapter) and a gift shop (☎ 505/785-2281) that offers the usual souvenir items such as postcards and sweatshirts, plus film and a variety of gift items, including handmade American Indian crafts. Another gift shop is in the Underground Rest Area (see "Where to Dine," later in this chapter).
FEES & RESERVATIONS
Admission to the visitor center and aboveground sections of the park is free. The basic cavern entry fee, which is good for 3 days and includes self-guided tours of the Natural Entrance and Big Room, is $6 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 15, and free for children under 6. Holders of Golden Eagle, Golden Age, Golden Access, and National Parks passes, plus their immediate families, are admitted free. An audio tour of the two self-guided routes is available for a $3 rental fee (free for children under 6).
Reservations are required for all guided tours. In addition to tour fees, you will need a general cave admission ticket for all guided cave tours, except those to Slaughter Canyon Cave and Spider Cave. Holders of Golden Age and Golden Access passports receive a 50% discount on tours. The King's Palace guided tour costs $8 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 15, and is free for children ages 4 and 5 with an adult; younger children are not permitted. Guided tours of Left Hand Tunnel, limited to those 6 and older, cost $7 for adults and $3.50 for children 6 to 15. Guided tours of Spider Cave, Lower Cave, and Hall of the White Giant are limited to those 12 and older; they cost $20 for adults and $10 for youths 12 to 15. Slaughter Canyon Cave tours, for those 6 and older, cost $15 for adults, $7.50 for children 6 to 15.
You can make reservations for cave tours up to 3 months in advance by phone or on the Internet (☎ 800/967-CAVE [2283] or 301/722-1257; http:// reservations.nps.gov).
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
As you would expect, damaging the cave formations in any way is prohibited. Even touching the formations, walls, or ceilings of the caves can damage them. This is not only because many of the features are delicate and easily broken, but also because skin oils will discolor the rock and disturb the mineral deposits that are necessary for growth.
All tobacco use is prohibited underground. In addition, food, drinks, candy, and chewing gum are not allowed on the underground trails. Please do not throw coins or other objects into the underground pools.
Cave visitors should wear flat shoes with rubber soles and heels to negotiate the slippery paths. Children under 16 must remain with an adult at all times while in the caves. Strollers are not allowed in the caves, so child backpacks are a good idea, but beware of low ceilings and doorways along the pathways.
Flash photography is not permitted at the evening Bat Flight programs.
Pets are not permitted in the caverns, on park trails, or in the backcountry. Because of the hot summer temperatures, pets should not be left unattended in vehicles.