By Staff Writer: Jamiliere Luranc Sweeney
Photo Credit: Jamiliere Luranc Sweeney
Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers an underground world unlike any other. Located about 280 miles south of Portales in the Guadalupe Mountain range, this park is home to over 100 caves that were formed by sulfuric acid dissolving limestone over millions of years.
The most famous and accessible of the caves is the Big Room which is the largest cave chamber in North America. The Big Room features an array of otherworldly formations including stalagmites and stalactites. You can explore this enormous chamber of 600,000 square feet by taking either a self-guided tour or a ranger-led walk to learn more about the cave’s history and geology. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the park offers several other guided cave tours that showcase less-explored sections of the caverns. These tours are more strenuous and may involve climbing and tight squeezes.
Another highlight of Carlsbad Caverns is the bat flight. Every evening from late spring through early fall thousands of bats emerge from the cave entrance and fly overhead. If you’re an early riser, around 4:00 a.m. you can watch the bats descend from hundreds of feet and the air return to the cave. This spectacular event is a must-see for any visitor.
Whether you’re fascinated by geology, love exploring unique places, or want to experience the magic of a bat flight, Carlsbad Caverns is an unforgettable destination.