Introducing Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Reminiscent of a sci-fi flick, this wondrous national park (505-785-2232, bat information 505-785-3012; www.nps.gov/cave; 3225 National Parks Hwy; adult/child $6/free; caves 8:30am-3:30pm summer, to 2pm rest of yr) covers 73 sq miles and includes almost 100 caves. The cavern formations are an ethereal wonderland of stalactites and fantastical geological features. Visitors can take a 2-mile subterranean walk from the cave mouth to an underground chamber 1800ft long, 255ft high and over 800ft below the surface. Guided tours of additional caves are available, and should be reserved well in advance (call 877-444-6777, or otherwise go to www.recreation.gov). It’s best to bring along long sleeves and closed shoes; it gets chilly.
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The cave’s other claim to fame is the 250, 000-plus Mexican free-tail bat colony that roosts here from April to October. Be here by sunset, when they cyclone out for an all-evening insect feast.
Last updated: Sep 22, 2008
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Mississippi to Las Vegas roadtrip. Suggestions welcome.
by zeldasdad 30 May 2012
I would add the following: You have 14 days. You want to hike, bike, Kayak (you do realize that you are crossing a desert?) sight see,…
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RE: Mississippi to Las Vegas roadtrip. Suggestions welcome.
by VinnyD 30 May 2012
As far as I know, you'd be OK crossing into Puerto Palomas from Columbus, NM for the day. Not that you'll find a whole lot to do in Puerto…
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RE: Most Interesting National Parks
by stopthebus 25 May 2012
Lame article, it reads like an advertisement for the park hotels. I'd say my top five "most interesting" parks, not including Alaska,…
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Hotels & Hostels in Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Guadalupe Inn
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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