From the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are nothing special and consist of a few gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a not too cliff. But, inside this is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander through the caves for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.
The Bat Cave is not for the feint hearted and is home to of many thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room, which is named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla, is breathtaking and the colors 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 an amazing 360,000 square feet. Within all of these, and many more rooms, you can see some of Mother Nature’s most creative work.
A giant stalagmite – The Witch’s Finger – is a corkscrew formation that is more than five times the the average person’s height and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock appear to move and the numerous outcroppings of flowstone look like a demon’s lair glowing from within.
Within the caverns you can choose self guided or staff guided tours which vary in their degree of difficulty from simple hikes through large open spaces to climbing ten foot walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.
One particular takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is the deepest cave in America. This cave covers a total of more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.
For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and look up and be simply mesmerized by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 250 by 1,800 foot room which is filled with incredible rock formations. Also take the time to visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit underground pools.
If you want to see the bats however you will have to visit between April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats fly south for the winter. A short half mile walk from the entrance leads 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 Asolo hiking boots and explore the area outside the caves as there are many fascinating things to do and see. Despite its name, along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to see 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 spectacular.
Of course the Carlsbad Caverns are just one of the splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as Yosemite hiking trips.
Tags: Bat Cave, Bifrost Room, Carlsbad Caverns, Hall of the Giants, hiking, national park, Rock of Ages