Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Hall of the White Giant Tour (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Photo by Peter Jones.

Plan on getting a bit dirty on the Hall of the White Giant Tour in Carlsbad Cavern.

If you don’t mind getting dirty, crawling through tight passageways, and climbing some slippery flowstone, you might want to try the Hall of the White Giant tour. Ladder climbing, slippery surfaces, and free climbing will be encountered on this trip. Highlights include tight, narrow passages including Matlock’s Pinch, and the White Giant formation. The prolonged amount of time spent in narrow cave passages requires a special attention to group communication and safety. This trip is not recommended for anyone afraid of tight spaces or heights.

Reservations are required for the Hall of the White Giant tour. To make reservations call 1.877.444.6777 or visit Recreation.gov.

Cost: $20 for adults and $10 for children, Senior and Access Pass holders. Tour participants must also purchase an entrance fee ticket.

Duration: 4 hours

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where: Tour departs from the visitor center lobby.

Requirements: Ages 12 and over. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants must be physically and mentally able to safely negotiate cave passages containing fragile formations without harm to the cave, yourself, or others.

Hiking boots or other sturdy shoes, 4 AA batteries, soft knee pads, cotton or leather gloves, and long pants are also required. (The park provides hardhats and headlamps.)