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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
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