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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Tour Fees Increase

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Compiled from NPS releases

Published Date

November 4, 2024

One of the steepest sections of the Natural Entrance Trail, the trail descends sharply via switchbacks into the pit known as the Devil's Den / NPS

Carlsbad Caverns National Park hasn't increased fees for tours for more than a decade. Now park officials are floating the idea and are seeking public comment.

These proposed fee increases are based on comparable fees charged for similar tours at other sites that provide guided cave tours. Below is a comparison of current and proposed tour fees: 

Tour Current Fee - Proposed Fee: 

  • King's Palace Tour $8 adults / $4 children to $12 adults / $7 children 
  • Lower Cave Tour $20 adults / $10 children to $30 adults / $18 children
  • Slaughter Cave Tour $15 adults/ $10 children to $30 adults / $18 children 

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is the legislation that allows the park to collect entrance and amenity fees, such as tours. This law allows parks like Carlsbad Caverns to retain 80% of the fees collected for use on projects that directly enhance the experience of park visitors. The remaining percent of all collected fees is distributed for use throughout the National Park System. Public engagement is an important part of the park's planning process. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increases. Please submit all comments through the National Park Service's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/cavetours from November 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024. 

All public comments on the proposed tour fees increase will be accepted through November 30, 2024.

Contact: Carmen Chapin, Superintendent, 575-236-1300, [email protected]

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