Carlsbad Caverns National Park Audio Tour (Not Ticket Fee)

Please Note: This is a self-guided audio tour of the park. The tour does not go into the Caverns and entry tickets to the Caverns are not part of the purchase. You’ll need to buy admission separately from the official Carlsbad Caverns National Park website or at the visitor center when you arrive. Journey into one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Southwest—Carlsbad Caverns National Park. As you drive into the park, your audio tour shares the fascinating history, geology, and hidden stories behind this remarkable place, turning your visit into a rich, immersive experience. Along the way, we’ll guide you to key viewpoints and prepare you for your stop at the Caverns with helpful tips and insights. When it’s time to head underground, you’ll transition from your guided experience to the National Park Service’s official audio tour (not included). Download the app to access the purchased tours

1. 1

   Stop 1

   15 min

   This little trail is just a few hundred feet long, but you can explore a small patch of Chihuahuan Desert, with some possible shade provided by the cliffs of Walnut Canyon. Interpretive signs identify plant life found along the trail and throughout the park.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   15 min

   An easy, paved trail less than half a mile round trip leads to a vista point overlooking Walnut Canyon. Not much of a hike, but a decent view.

3. 3

   Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center

   1 hour

   Here's where you'll pay for your entrance to the park, as well as purchase any additional tours you might want to do. You can also explore the exhibits, get a bite to eat in the cafeteria (open 8am-4pm), and do your souvenir shopping in the gift shop. Lastly, this is also where you access the cave, either using the elevator or the back door for the trail to the natural entrance.

• Service animals allowed
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Additional Starting Points: • Route 62 Eastbound coming from Guadalupe Mountains NP • Route 62 Westbound, Carlsbad, NM • US 285 south of Carlsbad, NM
• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.