Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a significant military discount through the America the Beautiful annual pass program. Active duty military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass, granting entrance to all national parks, including Carlsbad Caverns. This pass covers the entrance fee for the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults age 16 and older for self-guided tours. Children 15 and younger always enter for free. The discount effectively waives the $15 per adult entrance fee, offering 100% off for eligible military personnel and their families.
What Is the Entrance Fee for Military Personnel at Carlsbad Caverns?
Active duty military members and their dependents can enjoy free entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This benefit is provided through the America the Beautiful annual pass program, which offers the following advantages:
- Free entry for the pass holder
- Free entry for up to three accompanying adults (age 16 and older)
- Applicable for self-guided tours
- Valid for one year from the date of issue
- Usable at over 2,000 sites managed by participating federal agencies
What Are the Requirements for the National Park Military Discount?
To obtain the free annual pass and take advantage of the military discount at Carlsbad Caverns, eligible individuals must present proper identification. The required documentation includes:
- For active duty military members:
-
Common Access Card (CAC)
-
For dependents:
- DD Form 1173 (Dependent ID Card)
It’s important to note that this discount is specifically for active duty military personnel and their dependents. Veterans and retired military members may be eligible for other discounts or passes, but they are not covered under this particular program.
How Do You Purchase Tickets with the Military Discount?
Obtaining tickets with the military discount at Carlsbad Caverns is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center ticket counter
- Present the required identification (CAC or DD Form 1173)
- Receive the free annual pass
- Use the pass for entry to the caverns and other participating sites
Alternatively, the pass can be obtained at any other participating site managed by the following agencies:
- National Park Service
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Bureau of Reclamation
- Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Forest Service
What Is the Time Frame for the Military Discount?
The military discount at Carlsbad Caverns is available year-round, with no specific date restrictions. Key points about the time frame include:
- The pass is valid for one year from the date of issue
- There are no blackout dates or seasonal restrictions
- The discount can be used multiple times throughout the year
- Upon expiration, eligible individuals can obtain a new pass
This flexibility allows military families to plan their visits to Carlsbad Caverns and other national parks at their convenience, without worrying about limited discount periods.
What Documentation Is Necessary for Verification?
To verify eligibility for the military discount at Carlsbad Caverns, visitors must present specific documentation:
| Personnel Type | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
| Active Duty Military | Common Access Card (CAC) |
| Military Dependents | DD Form 1173 (Dependent ID Card) |
It’s crucial to have these documents readily available when visiting the park or obtaining the pass. Without proper verification, the discount cannot be applied, and regular entrance fees would be charged.
What Is the Exact Percentage or Amount of the Discount?
The military discount for Carlsbad Caverns offers a 100% reduction on the entrance fee. This translates to:
- A savings of $15 per adult (regular entrance fee)
- Free entry for the pass holder and up to three accompanying adults
- Potential annual savings of $60 or more for a family of four
To put this in perspective, here’s a breakdown of the potential savings:
| Visit Frequency | Regular Cost (Family of 4) | Military Discount Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Single Visit | $60 | $60 |
| Quarterly Visits | $240 | $240 |
| Monthly Visits | $720 | $720 |
These savings can be significant, especially for families who frequently visit national parks throughout the year.
How Does the Military Discount Compare to Other Available Discounts?
While the military discount offers substantial benefits, it’s worth comparing it to other available discounts at Carlsbad Caverns:
- Senior Pass:
- Available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or older
- $20 for an annual pass or $80 for a lifetime pass
-
Covers entrance fees at national parks and federal recreational lands
-
Access Pass:
- Free lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities
-
Covers entrance fees at national parks and federal recreational lands
-
4th Grade Pass:
- Free annual pass for U.S. 4th graders and their families
- Valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer
The military discount stands out for its broad coverage and complete waiver of fees, making it one of the most generous options available for eligible individuals.
What Additional Benefits Come with the Military Discount Pass?
Beyond free entry to Carlsbad Caverns, the military discount pass offers several additional benefits:
- Access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites
- Coverage of standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands
- Waiver of entrance fees for national wildlife refuges
- Discounts on some expanded amenity fees (e.g., camping, boat launching)
These extra perks make the pass even more valuable for military families who enjoy outdoor recreation and exploring America’s natural wonders.
By offering this comprehensive discount, Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the National Park Service demonstrate their appreciation for the service and sacrifices of military personnel and their families, while also encouraging them to explore and enjoy the nation’s natural treasures.
References:
1. National Park Service – Thanking America’s Armed Forces
2. Recreation.gov – Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tours
3. National-Park.com – Carlsbad Caverns National Park Tickets Price