CARLSBAD, New Mexico - Go wild for the history, nature trails, archeology, caves and bats of Carlsbad Caverns National Park during National Park Week, April 19 through 27, 2014. To get the celebration going, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will waive entrance fees on April 19 and 20 - additional fees are still required for special ranger-guided tours.
In addition to National Park Week, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will celebrate Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 19. Special Jr. Ranger activities like “make your own bat masks and magnets” as well as a "kids corner" educational table will be on-going inside the visitor center between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. People of all ages can earn a Junior Ranger patch and special certificate by completing the Junior Ranger booklet.
“Winter is a fabulous time of year to visit the park,” said acting superintendent, Doug Neighbor. “We hope folks take advantage of the fee free weekend and come out and enjoy the caves and stay to experience the free ‘Bat Watch’ program when the Mexican Free-tailed bats exit the cave in the evening.”
Winter hours are in effect at the park. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Last entry into the cave via the natural entrance is 2 p.m. and last entry via the elevators is 3:30 p.m.
For more information about Carlsbad Caverns hours, cave tours and other activities, call 575-785-2232 or visit www.nps.gov/cave.
Visit www.nationparkweek.org for more information about what is going on at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and other National Park Service sites throughout the country. You can share your park experiences and photos on the website.