You are here

Home » UPDATE | Carlsbad Caverns National Park Cave Tours Shut Down This Week

UPDATE | Carlsbad Caverns National Park Cave Tours Shut Down This Week

Share
By Kurt Repanshek - January 22nd, 2023

Electrical problems have shut down cave tours at Carlsbad Caverns National Park/NPS file

Editor's note: This updates with details of the electrical issue.

Electrical issues have led Carlsbad Caverns National Park officials to shut down cave tours this week while repairs are made.

"Due to needed electrical updates, the cavern, including ranger-guided tours, will be closed January 22-29. The visitor center (VC), Rattlesnake Springs, & trails around the VC will be open," the park said in a short message on its website. "Reservations and fees are not required during this period."

Specifically, the work involves a large electrical upgrade for the cavern, said Superintendent Carmen Chaplin in an email. "Large distribution panel boxes are being moved to a new location and out of the viewshed," she explained. "While this work is being completed, there will be almost no light in the cavern, thus the need for the closure.

"This project previously downsized 30 electrical panels, and will also involve replacing 60 power supply units and relocating one transformer," wrote the superintendent.

Over the years there have been problems with the elevators that take visitors down into the cave system. 

Six years ago both the elevators that normally take visitors into the cave and back up to the surface, as well as the freight elevators that are viewed as a backup to the passenger elevators, were out of commission due to problems with their motors. Those problems stretched into 2018, when new motors and elevator cars were installed. Also in 2018, in March of that year, one of the cars became stranded 740 feet below the surface with three visitors inside due to a worn traveling cable, which sends the correct signal to the controls that allow the elevator car to operate.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

Support Journalism about National Parks!

National Parks Traveler is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.