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From the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are not much to look at and consist of several gray rock formations and a little scrub brush covering a not too cliff. But, step inside and this is one of the most incredible landscapes to be found anywhere on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves to explore, you could wander through the caves for years and not see the same thing twice.
The Bat Cave is not for the feint hearted and is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room is breathtaking and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow spectrum of this mythical crossing. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers a staggering 360,000 square feet. Within these, and the many other rooms, you can see some of Mother Nature’s most creative work.
The Witch’s Finger, a giant stalagmite, is a corkscrew-like formation which is over five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock seem to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings look like a demon’s lair glowing from within.
Within the Carlsbad Caverns you can choose self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from easy walks through large open spaces to scaling 10 foot high walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.
One tour takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over 1,600 feet below ground, is America’s deepest cave. The cave covers more than 112 miles winding through the Guadalupe Mountains.
For the less active, you can visit the Big Room by taking an elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up and be simply captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then walk around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room which is filled with amazing rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and see the its dozens of eerily lit underground pools.
If you do want to see the bats though you will need to visit between the months of April and September as the 300,000 Mexican free tailed bats who live here fly south for the winter. A half mile hike from the entrance will take you to a plateau from which you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.
And do not forget to pop on your favorite pair of waterproof hiking boots and explore the area surrounding the caves as there are many fascinating things to both see and do. Despite its name, along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to see dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to encounter the dangerous snakes from which the place gets its name.
Another favorite with visitors is the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive travels along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are quite simply stunning.
The Carlsbad Caverns are of course only one of the splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank alongside such other great pleasures as Yosemite hiking trips.
