Hiking In The Carlsbad Caverns In New Mexico

Seen from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns, which are located in New Mexico, are nothing to write home about and consist of a few gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. However, inside this is one of the most astonishing landscapes to be found anywhere on Earth and, with more than 100 limestone caves to explore, you could wander here for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.

If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is the home of many thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room is breathtaking and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors truly echo those of the rainbow. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers an amazing 360,000 square feet. Within these, and many more rooms, you will find some of Mother Nature’s most creative work.

A giant stalagmite – The Witch’s Finger – is a corkscrew-like formation that is over five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is truly 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 Carlsbad Caverns you can take self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from easy walks around large open spaces to tackling 10 foot walls and crawling through narrow openings into large chambers.

One particular takes you through part of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over 1,600 feet below ground, is the deepest cave in the United States. This cave covers more than 112 miles winding through the Guadalupe Mountains.

If you are not quite so active then you can travel to the Big Room by taking an elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up to be captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then walk around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room filled with incredible rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and view 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 short half mile hike from the natural 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 discount hiking boots and explore the area around the caves as there are many fascinating things to both see and do. In spite of its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to encounter the dangerous snakes which give this place its name.

Another favorite with visitors to the area is a ride along the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive travels along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply stunning.

Of course the Carlsbad Caverns are merely one of many splendid hiking areas in America and rank with such other great pleasures as Yellowstone day hikes.

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