Take Slaughter Canyon Cave Tour, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Add to My List Check Off

Slaughter Canyon Cave is a strenuous adventure tour. Ranger-guided tours of Slaughter Canyon Cave take you into an underground wilderness without electricity, paved walkways, or modern conveniences. In this wild cave, darkness is broken only by the flashlights and headlamps of rangers and tour members. Highlights of the tour may include the 89-foot high Monarch, one of the world's tallest columns; the Christmas Tree, a sparkling, crystal-decorated column; and the Chinese Wall, a delicate, ankle-high rimstone dam. Old bat guano mining excavations attest to the human history and impact in the cave. Cost: Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $7.50 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders. Duration: 5 1/2 hours (8:30 am - 2:00 pm) When: Memorial Day weekend through August 14th -8:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday Off-season (fall, winter and spring)-8:30 a.m. weekends only Where: The tour meets at the VISITOR CENTER. *Participants will caravan to the cave after a brief orientation. Carpooling is encouraged. The strenuous half-mile hike to the cavern entrance takes 30 to 45 minutes. The cave trails are narrow, uneven, and very slippery. Requirements: Four (4) AA batteries. Sturdy hiking shoes, drinking water, sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Walking sticks are allowed on the hiking trail to the cave entrance, however, NOT allowed inside the cave. All tour participants must be age 8 or older. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are recommended for all guided cave tours. Availability is limited for some tours. Plan ahead and reserve early. Make tour reservations by calling 1.877.444.6777 or by visiting www.recreation.gov. A general admission ticket ($10 per adult) is required in addition to tour fees for King's Palace, Left Hand Tunnel, Lower Cave, and Hall of the White Giant tours. The cave climate is cool and varies little from the annual 56°F (13°C) average temperature. A light jacket or sweater, and comfortable shoes with rubber soles for good traction are appropriate year-round. In an effort to prevent White-Nose Syndrome at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, tour participants will NOT be allowed to enter cave areas with shoes, clothing, and/or equipment until they have been screened and decontaminated. Source: NPS

Write a Review

No Ratings Yet

Flag as inappropriate ›