Carlsbad, NM – During a safety test run this morning, one of the secondary elevator cars unexpectedly stalled in the hoist way with no passengers aboard. For safety reasons, the elevators were taken out-of-service while park elevator mechanics assessed the situation. It was determined that the park will request the assistance of technicians from an elevator company to determine the cause of the malfunction and the appropriate repairs required. That process has been initiated.
The elevators will be placed back in service as soon as it is safe to put them back online.
Visitors may access the cavern by hiking in and out of the Natural Entrance. Ranger-guided tours offered during this time are Slaughter Canyon Cave and Spider Cave.
Reservations for guided tours can be made at www.recreation.gov. For more information on park regulations, visitation or park tours, call 575-785-2232 or visit www.nps.gov/cave.
The visitor center is open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. through Labor Day (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. after Labor Day). The Bat Flight Program is currently being offered nightly at 7 p.m. Please call 575-785-3012 for updates on Bat Flight program times.