Carlsbad Caverns affected by federal layoffs | News | abqjournal.com
Tourists hoping to see Carlsbad Caverns National Park during its peak season in March may find that more challenging these days, potentially impacting the local economy.
The federal government laid off 14 out of 25 seasonal interpreter rangers — who lead tours of the caverns, man the information desk and sell tickets — according to a terminated employee who said Carlsbad Caverns may struggle to continue operation.
Additionally, 11 out of 14 seasonal workers were laid off, which may cause a concern during the cavern’s peak season, the person told the Journal.
Carlsbad Caverns has already ceased guided tours for 30 days, the person said, but believes it is the beginning of an indefinite pause on tours, among other things. Only self-guided tours are currently available.
All Lower Cave, King’s Palace and Slaughter Canyon guided tours have been canceled, according to Recreation.gov, a website where visitors can book tours.
“They were talking about having to possibly close a couple of days a week, so closing the gate, so nobody can get in,” the person, a former probationary employee, told the Journal. “Right now, they’re trying to do 30 days, but they don’t know if staffing is going to allow them to bring those back until they’re allowed to hire again.”
According to the former employee, Carlsbad Caverns hits a peak season in March. The source added that many people working in the oil and gas industry in the region invite their families down to Carlsbad, driving economic development.
“Their families come out and visit and there’s not a lot else to do, so they take them to the park,” the person said. “I know it will definitely affect that.”
Carlsbad Caverns National Park brought in nearly $32 million to the local economy and supported 359 jobs, according to a National Park Service report from 2023.
In 2023, the caverns brought in 384,121 visitors, and 98.6% of visitors, and therefore visitor spending, were not local.
“Such financial contributions significantly enhance the quality of life for Carlsbad residents,” the department added, “making the Caverns a vital economic engine for the community.”
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Carlsbad Caverns Timed Entry Reservation, Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours - Recreation.gov
The following tours have been cancelled. We regret any inconvenience.
Lower Cave
Kings Palace
Slaughter Canyon
Beginning on March 23, 2025, the 8:30 self-guided tours are cancelled.
Visitor center hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last tickets will be sold at 2:15 p.m.
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Hey kids, we can pay to enter the park, and then we can go and look at the entrance to the caverns, but we can't go in!