Carlsbad Caverns
We’ve been to several different caverns over the years and always enjoy them, but we had never been to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It’s a National Park so it should be pretty good, right. New Mexico, here we come!
Our trip to Carlsbad was a short one so we had to make the best of it. Our ‘to do” list included:
- Check out the town of Carlsbad
- Go to the Caverns (of course)
- Hike Sitting Bull Falls
- Visit the Living Zoo and Garden State Park
Whew, that’s a lot for just a few days, lets get started!
We stayed right in town along the main strip at Carlsbad RV Campground which was nice. Disappointing however was the town of Carlsbad. I guess we were expecting a cool little historical downtown but Carlsbad is just a town, not much special about it. However, we did find one restaurant that we really liked, called Yellow Brix. It’s a nice little bistro with an outside patio in a garden setting. Good food (and wine) as well.
As I mentioned, we just love the underground world of caves, it’s like you’ve traveled to a faraway place separated from the traditional world. We found out quickly what was so special about Carlsbad Caverns. First, the natural entrance is a magnificent opening in the ground and if you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, as we were, you can see the bats that inhabit this area of the cavern. The trail from the natural entrance is all downhill and meanders through different rooms for about 1.25 miles. Another thing we like about Carlsbad Caverns is that you have the option of a self-guided tour or one of various ranger led tours. We decided to explore at our own pace.
As you travel further down into the cavern and into the different rooms the scenery drastically changes. Every area (room) is a bit different with all of the stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, and soda straws as they are called. This is what 250 million years of natural art looks like! Unlike other caverns, Carlsbad is more open so those with a bit of claustrophobia may be more comfortable here. It also presents itself in a more grander way, especially when you get to the Big Room at the end which is over 357,000 square feet.
When you’re done exploring the cavern there are two ways to exit, an uphill hike back out the same way you entered or take the elevator rigs off the Big Room. Yes, that’s correct I said “elevator”. Back in 1932 the National Park Service installed two elevators and a large visitors center. Seemed very strange amongst all of the other unworldly natural Beauty.
TIP: Carlsbad Caverns works on a reservation system so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. Also dress accordingly because the cavern is a constant 56 degrees year round.
Sitting Bull Falls is a desert oasis with two small cascades and a swimming hole located in a canyon in the Lincoln National Forest about an hour away from Carlsbad Caverns. We were very much looking forward to seeing the falls and exploring a few of the hikes in the area. Unfortunately the recreation area was closed when we were there due to a water outage. Did someone turn the off the falls? Not sure, but this was a little frustrating, we’ve done a lot of hiking and running water is never a requirement. I guess we will have to make a return trip for this
As is often the case when things don’t go as planned in our travels, we stumble upon a great unplanned adventure after abruptly detouring from Sitting Bull Falls. We decided to do a little exploring in the jeep to Five Points Vista. Guadalupe Rim Road in the Lincoln National Forest’s Ranger District takes you to this amazing overlook with spectacular views of the ‘Rim’ and the Guadalupe Mountains. The Rim is 2000′ cliff marking the western extent of the Guadalupe Mountains. We spent quite a bit of time exploring this area. It was a good day!
The Living Zoo and Gardens State Park is a unique experience. In one setting you are able to take a leisurely hike through a natural desert setting and get a close and personal experience with local wildlife. This native wildlife zoo, exhibits more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of species of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. There is also a “Succulents of the World” greenhouse. It’s a beautiful and very well done exhibit that should be included in your trip to Carlsbad.
When driving to Carlsbad from the direction of El Paso, Texas, we passed right through the Guadalupe Mountains. We were pleasantly surprised of just how beautiful these mountains are, and will plan a return trip to spend some time in the national park. If you have the time, it would be a great idea to combine your Carlsbad trip with the Guadalupe Mountains National Park since they are so close.
Check out the rest of our pictures of the Carlsbad caverns and extended area.
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