Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Fast Facts

Location: In Guadalupe Mountains in south eastern area of New Mexico
Attraction type: Natural wonder
Significance: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Visiting Hours: Daytime
How to Reach: 25 miles by road from Carlsbad along US Highways 180 and 62
Nearest International Airport: El Paso International Airport
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico State of the United States is a baffling underground cave formation caused by the corrosive action of sulfuric acid on limestone. New Mexico Carlsbad Caverns National Park comprises about 113 caves in the Guadalupe Mountains bordering Chihuahuan Desert. This underground cave formation is largest in United States and lie within a Permian limestone reef.

Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is a recognized UNESCO world heritage site which is accessible all through the year. The entrance to the cave is a depression on a tabletop on the side of Walnut Canyon. The inside of the caves in one word is magical. Discover this fabulous cave formation by yourself or take the help of a guide. Either way it is equally mesmerizing and should never be missed.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Activities

The Chinese Theater in the Big Room of the Carlsbad Caves would puzzle you. Limestone stalagmites in the shape of Chinese temple spires are really amazing. Stalactites in the shape of chandelier are another inexplicable wonder. Illuminated with artificial lights they appear as real life chandeliers. With the help of a guide you could explore the caves more extensively. The Kings Palace, Spider Cave, Hall of the White Giant, Slaughter Canyon Cave, Lower Cave and Left hand Tunnel must be visited for their baffling limestone formations. Crawling through the Spider Cave or Hall of the White Giant are unimaginable.

Exploring the animal and plant life in Carlsbad Cavern could be if not more exciting as discovering the cave itself. The flora comprises ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, and lechuguilla. Among the animals be careful about rattlesnakes which are common in this area. The Mexican free tailed bats are endemic of this region and dwell in these caves. Other fascinating animals include ring tailed cats, raccoons, and skunks.

Watch the flights of bats from a small sitting area at the mouth of the caves. During most days of the year, just about ten minutes after sunset, bats start emerging from the caves in flights.

Accommodation and Dining

When planning a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park you might accommodate yourself in Super 8, Best Western Guadalupe Inn, Comfort Inn, and Days Inn. You might also put up tents for which a prior permission is necessary. The visitor center has a cafeteria serving limited food varieties. Inside the Big Cave a 'lunchroom' offers munchies. Eateries and restaurants are available at eh park entrance, and in White City.

Related Links :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwlSw9ZljAE: Check out great views of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in this wonderful slideshow! It is easy to understand why this is one of the most popular attractions in the US.