Day 21: Carlsbad Caverns NP

Carlsbad Caverns isn't the biggest, deepest, widest, or longest cave system in the world, but some people call it the prettiest in the world, and so far I have to agree. Temperates remain a cool and constant 56 degrees year round.  For those a little bi adventurous, you can entered via the paved Natural Entrance and walk downhill for 750 ft.  For the quick and dirty or for those with physical impairments, you have the option of taking elevators down a 750 ft shaft.  The elevators were added back in the 1940s and 50's.  You ended up at the Lunch Cafeteria going either way.

From their you can take a tour of the Big Room which is the equivalent of 14 football fields.  Jim White was the original explorer of the caves and named many of the formations Devil's this and that, but eventually after understanding that the place was not so devilish, started call formations Fairyland, Temple of the Sun, Rock of Ages, etc.

From here you can also sign up for a very limited tour of the Lower Caves which I highly recommend. It is capped of at 12 people and only offered on the weekdays.  The other tour to take, that is more physically demanding, is Slaughter Canyon.  It is also limited in size.  Call or go online and make reservations at least 1 week ahead of time.

Ranger Manny Bemis led us on tour of Lower Caves. Here there are no paved trails and the trails at marked with red ribbon and caution tape for fragile areas.  The paths are thin and slippery at times.  In fact, to start, to must take a knotted rope and descend to the top of 3 ladders before finally entering the Lower Caves.  It isn't much more demanding than that and offers a look into a less touristy place.

Lower Caves is where Jim White took National Geographic members for a photo shoot in order to build up popularity to the cave.

Here you can spot little piles of balls called cave pearls and areas which use to contain pools of water. You have the option to crawl on your hands and knees and drag your self over your belly thru a hole.  I did it but did scuff up my knee even with pants on.  You should have pants and sturdy boots for the tour.  They give you gloves and a hard hat with a headlamp.  You need to bring 3 AA batteries.  The tour gives you a feel for what cave exploration was like.