Hiking Through The Carlsbad Caverns

Viewed from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns, which are located in New Mexico, are anything but impressive and consist of several gray rock formations and a little scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. However, step inside and this is one of the most wondrous landscapes anywhere on Earth and, with more than 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you can wander here for years without seeing the cave thing twice.

If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room will take your breath away and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow. The largest open chamber in the system is The Hall of Giants which covers an astonishing 360,000 square feet. Within these, and the many other rooms, you will find Mother Nature at her most creative.

A giant stalagmite – The Witch’s Finger – is a corkscrew formation that is more than five times the height of the average person 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 Carlsbad Caverns you can opt for self guided or staff guided tours which vary in their degree of difficulty from simple hikes around large open spaces to tackling ten foot walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.

One tour takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at more than 1,600 feet below ground, is America’s deepest cave. 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 taking an elevator which descends 900 feet and look up and be simply mesmerized by this 25 story high open space. You can then walk 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 its dozens of eerily lit pools.

If you want to see the bats though you will need to visit between April and September as the 300,000 Mexican free tailed bats who live here fly south for the winter. A short half mile walk from the natural entrance leads to a plateau from which you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.

Remember too to pop on your favorite pair of waterproof hiking boots and take a look at the area around the caves as there are many fascinating things to do and see. In spite of its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are much more likely to see dozens of harmless reptiles and birds than you are to encounter the dangerous snakes which give this place its name.

A final favorite with visitors is a ride along the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views are quite simply spectacular.

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

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