Photo of a ranger presenting a program to visitors along the King's Palace Tour.
90 MinutesFee applies

King's Palace Tour

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public.

The King's Palace Tour only occurs on a day to day basis based on if we have enough staffing for the day. Walk up tickets only. The King's Palace Tour takes visitors through four highly decorated chambers and into the deepest portion of the cavern open to the public, 830 feet (253 m) beneath the desert surface. Although not as difficult as the Natural Entrance Trail, this one mile (1.6 km) tour does require additional descending, and at the end, walking up a very steep hill. Look forward to viewing a variety of cave formations including helictites, draperies, columns and soda straws. Rangers frequently conduct black-outs during this tour, briefly turning off all artificial lights to reveal the natural darkness of the cave. Reservations are required for the King's Palace Tour. To make reservations, go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Tour Limit: 12 people

Tags

Guided ToursCaves, Caverns and KarstGeologyranger activityGuided Tour

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Details

Duration

90 Minutes

Fees

$8 for adults and $4 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket.

Fees Apply

Yes

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility

The trail is steep in places with steps. Not accessible to wheeled devices.

Pets

No

Reservations

Yes — To make reservations go to Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Age Info

Children under 4 years old are not permitted on the King's Palace Tour. Anyone under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Location

King's Palace Tour

View on NPS.govBack to Carlsbad Caverns

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