Here are 6 Days in 2025 When You Can Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park for Free

How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns for Free This 2025

Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is giving us six days in 2025 to venture underground for free. That’s right, zero dollars to explore one of the world’s most spectacular cave systems.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Southwest or looking for a budget-friendly adventure, this is your chance to discover the cave that makes other caverns look like mere potholes.

2025 Free Entrance Dates

Here’s when you can descend into the depths without spending a cent:

• January 20 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 — First Day of National Park Week
• June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• September 27 — National Public Lands Day
• November 11 — Veterans Day

This covers the $15 entrance fee for individuals aged 16 and older (kids 15 and under are always free).

Keep in mind that special tours like the King’s Palace Tour still have separate fees and a timed entry ticket costing $1 may be collected during free entrance days. For complete details, check out the Carlsbad Caverns National Park official website.

Up next: all the incredible things you can do during your visit to Carlsbad Caverns.

Explore the Legendary Big Room

First up: the cave’s main attraction. The Big Room is North America’s largest single cave chamber by volume, stretching an impressive 4,000 feet long and soaring 255 feet high at its tallest point.

The 1.25-mile trail through this underground wonderland is mostly flat and wheelchair accessible. You’ll pass formations that’ll make your jaw drop, including the towering Giant Dome (a 62-foot stalagmite) and the spine-tingling Bottomless Pit that plunges 140 feet down.

Want the best experience? Take your time and plan for about 1.5 hours to really soak in the cave’s grandeur.

Tackle the Natural Entrance Trail

Ready for a workout? The Natural Entrance Trail is a 1.25-mile descent that drops you 750 feet into the cave. That’s like walking down a 79-story building.

This steep one-hour trek takes you past fascinating spots like Devil’s Den and Bat Cave.

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for this one – your ankles will thank you later.

Join the King’s Palace Tour

If you’re feeling fancy, spring for the King’s Palace Tour. This 1.5-hour ranger-guided adventure takes you 830 feet below the surface – the deepest you can go in the cave as a regular visitor.

You’ll explore four stunning chambers: King’s Palace, Queen’s Chamber, Green Lake Room, and Papoose Room. Just be ready for that 80-foot climb back up at the end. Book this one in advance, especially during peak season (April–October).

Watch the Bat Flight Program

From late May through October, nature puts on a show you won’t want to miss. Head to the Bat Flight Amphitheater near the Natural Entrance at dusk to watch thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats spiral out of the cave.

Rangers give fascinating talks before the main event, but leave your camera behind since no electronic devices are allowed during the flight to protect our winged friends.

Have Lunch Underground

How often do you get to eat 750 feet below the surface?

The Underground Lunchroom, found on the head of the Left Hand Tunnel in the Big Room, serves up sandwiches, salads, and snacks with a side of surreal atmosphere.


You’ll have a grand time eating your meals at personal lantern-lit tables surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.

Stargaze at Night

Stick around after sunset from May through October for some serious star action. Rangers break out powerful telescopes and share stories about the night sky.

Carlsbad’s exceptionally dark skies make for perfect stargazing conditions – when the weather cooperates, of course. Because let’s face it, Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva sometimes.