Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Walking Tour (Not a ticket)

New Mexico , USA

Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Walking Tour (Not a ticket)

Active

(5 reviews)

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is not a ticket for entry into Carlsbad Caverns.

Delve 750 feet underground with this non-GPS self-guided walking audio tour of the vast Carlsbad Caverns. Marvel at the echoing spaces of the Big Room and explore the cave’s Twilight Zone. Learn how the fascinating rock formations formed. Along the Natural Entrance and Big Room Trails, hear the story of Jim White, the first known explorer over a century ago.

After booking, check your email/text to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline.

This audio tour does not use GPS so that the stories won't play automatically according to your location. The stories are organized in a suggested order to take the tour - please swipe through each story to listen as you travel along the route. You can also play all stories from the 'Story List' if you wish to skip ahead or listen to earlier stories again.

Available options

Carlsbad Caverns Self-Guided Walking Tour (Not a ticket)

What's included

Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone

Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!

Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!

Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.

Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!

Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!

Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.

Detailed itinerary

Begin your self-guided audio tour at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a mesmerizing underground world filled with extraordinary geological formations. Learn about the history and significance of this natural wonder as you embark on your adventure. Natural Entrance: Step through the Natural Entrance and descend into the depths of the cave system. As you make your way along the winding path, the audio tour will provide captivating details about the cave's formation and the fascinating processes that shaped its remarkable features.

Note: Experience Carlsbad Caverns with our 2.5-mile self-guided audio tour (1-2 hours). This audio tour does not use GPS, so the stories won't play automatically according to your location. The stories are organized in a suggested order to take the tour - please swipe through each story to listen as you travel along the route.

The tour is over N/A miles long, with more than 50 audio stories, and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

What's not included

Foods And Drinks

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 1.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.

How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.

Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.

Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you

Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones

Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For the best experience, bring headphones/earbuds for your walking tour.

Timed entry reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park year-round, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Reservations are released 30 days in advance and are required in addition to the park's entrance fee.

Please note that an entrance fee is required to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This fee grants access to the cavern for three consecutive days and is not included with this tour.

For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.

Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

⚠️ Important Note: The U.S. Government Shutdown has ended, but some National Park services, visitor centers and facilities may reopen in phases. Please check official park updates before visiting.

Meeting point

Begin from Carlsbad Cavern Natural Entrance, New Mexico 88220, USA. After booking the tour, search your emails and texts for "audio tour". Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Important notes

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:
• Download the App: actiontourguide.com/app
• Find Your Password: Search your email or text messages for “Action Tour Guide”
• Enter Password: Open the app and enter your 8-digit password
• Download the Tour NOW while you have Wi-Fi or cell service
• Offline Ready: Once downloaded, the tour works without internet
• Need Help? Visit: actiontourguide.com/redeem

2. Download The Tour NOW:
• Download NOW over WiFi or cellular data ahead of your trip.
• Don’t wait until travel day - your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR from purchase.
• Your password redemption is limited to the number of travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.

3. Audio Tour Tips:
• This is a self-guided audio tour - no one will meet you at the starting point.
• Entrance and attraction tickets are not included. Please book those separately.
• Curious how it works? Watch a quick video here: actiontourguide.com/tutorial
• Bring headphones for the best experience on your walking tour.
• Valid for 12 months - listen to your tour on any day without changing your travel date or rebooking!

4. Help & Support:
• Visit our FAQs: actiontourguide.com/faq
• Chat online: actiontourguide.com
• Call: 1-714-333-0534
• Email: support@actiontourguide.com

⚠️ Carlsbad Caverns Timed Entry Reservation:
https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/10086811

⚠️ Important Note:
Timed entry reservations are required to enter Carlsbad Caverns National Park. These timed entry reservations are required all year, with the only exceptions being the days the park is closed (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). Reservations cost $1 which is in addition to the $15 park entrance fee. They are released 30 days in advance.

NPS Link: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Reservation Link: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/234637/ticket/10086811

About New Mexico

New Mexico is a state in the southwestern United States known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. From the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe to the stunning natural beauty of its national parks, New Mexico offers a truly enchanting experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

This national park is home to over 100 caves, including the famous Carlsbad Cavern, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Nature Full day Moderate

Santa Fe Plaza

The historic heart of Santa Fe, this plaza is surrounded by adobe buildings, shops, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore

White Sands National Park

This unique park features vast dunes of white gypsum sand, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green Chile Stew

A hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, a staple of New Mexican cuisine.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Breakfast Burrito

A large burrito filled with eggs, cheese, potatoes, and often green or red chile.

Breakfast Contains eggs and cheese, can be made vegetarian

Posole

A traditional soup made with hominy, pork, and red or green chile.

Dinner Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Hot air ballooning Spa treatments Scenic drives Wine tasting Art gallery visits Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscapes are also at their most beautiful during these seasons.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

New Mexico is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur in urban areas. Exercise common sense and caution, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Albuquerque International Sunport • 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Albuquerque
Santa Fe Municipal Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Santa Fe

By train

Albuquerque Station, Lamy Station

By bus

Albuquerque Greyhound Station, Santa Fe Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable bus service with numerous routes throughout the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Albuquerque Canyon Road

Day trips

Taos

140 km (87 miles) from Santa Fe • Half day to full day

A charming town known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and proximity to the Taos Ski Valley.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

290 km (180 miles) from Albuquerque • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and a rich cultural history.

Festivals

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta • Early October Santa Fe Indian Market • Late August

Pro tips

Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque for a deeper understanding of Native American history and culture.
Explore the vibrant arts scene in Santa Fe, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the many galleries along Canyon Road.
Take a hot air balloon ride over Albuquerque for a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Hike in the stunning landscapes of the Bandelier National Monument, featuring ancient Puebloan ruins and scenic trails.
Experience the unique geology and history of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, including the famous Big Room and Bat Flight Program.