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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Restores Elevator Service Into Caves

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By NPT Staff - April 30th, 2018

Visitors no longer need to hike 75 stories into and out of the caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park/NPS

More than a month after three visitors were stranded 740 feet below the surface, elevators are back in service at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico after a new cable was installed.

The secondary elevators have been out of service since March 26, when one of the cars became stranded at 740 feet below the surface with three visitors inside due to a worn traveling cable, which sends the correct signal to the controls that allow the elevator car to operate. All three visitors were safely rescued by the Carlsbad Fire Department and National Park Service rangers.

Without the elevators, visitors must take a 1.25-mile trail that’s a steep 75-story hike into and out of the cavern.

"We are pleased to return elevator service into and out of the cavern," said Acting Superintendent Juan Gomez. "Ensuring safe elevators for our visitors and staff is paramount."

The secondary elevators are part of two separate elevator systems (in two separate elevator shafts) at Carlsbad Caverns. The primary elevator system was originally installed in 1955 and went out of service in November 2015 when a 6-inch motor shaft unexpectedly sheared off. Work to repair and modernize the primary elevators began in December and is on schedule to be completed by the end of May. The secondary elevators have been providing all park elevator service while the primary elevators are being rebuilt.

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