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Carlsbad Caverns National Park– an Introduction
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park of New Mexico is one of the most interesting national parks in U.S. The Park is referred as a UNESCO heritage site. The Carlsbad Caverns National Park comprises about 116 caves which are mainly formed due to the blend of sulfuric acid with limestone in the surroundings. Some of the caves in this region can very well be considered as the largest caves in North America. Travelers round the globe visit this USA national park throughout the year and earn the enchanting experience of caving to the fullest.
Visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is really a great place to visit and the most exquisite destination over there happens to be the Big Cave and the Big Room. The Big Cave used to be considered as the world’s biggest cave chambers until another cave unit of Malaysia broke its record. Still a visit to the Big Room will always be placed as one of the best cave experience in the world. One can reach the Big Cave in an elevator that starts from the visitor center. One can also take a short walk from the visitor center to the natural entrance of the cave. Though it is interesting enough to have a hiking trip within the cave but still it is better to opt for the elevator ride for the ones who are not so adventures at heart. The elevator takes you to a depth of 183 meters in moments to the main level of the cave. From there the tourists lead to the Big Room, which is beautifully decorated from all sides. The visitors are never permitted to leave the trail unless they are guided. The natural entrance of the cave closes about 4 hours before the cave closes entirely and the elevator closes about 2 hours before. There are also options for other activities like crawling on the narrow passageway of the main hall, the visit to the Spider cave, the Slaughter Canyon Cave, bird watching and to experience the Bat Flight session, as every evening during the summer season about 400,000 Mexican bats exit from the cavern and it is really a spectacular experience for all time to see the flight.
Guided Tours: There are self guided tours available to explore the main section of the cave. The other guided tours of Carlsbad Caverns National Park can also be booked and they include the visit to the Kings Palace, the left hand tunnel, the lower cave and the hall of the white giant.
Opening Hours
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is open daily. December 25 is a holiday.
During summer the hours are expanded during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tours are available 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry into cave via natural entrance is 3:30. Last Entry into cave via elevator is 5:00.
The regular hours after Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend, the opening time is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Last entry into cave via natural entrance is 2:00. Last entry into cave via elevator is 3:30.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport to Carlsbad is located at El Peso, Texas. It is served by almost all the major airlines. Carlsbad has a commuter air service of itself and it operates via Mesa Airlines and connects Albuquerque.
Road: The Carlsbad Caverns National Park lies about 25 miles to the southwest of the town of Carlsbad, and one can very well reach it via US Highways 62 and 180. If you are taking this route then it is also possible to visit the Guadalupe Mountains on the way. Carlsbad also has its own bus terminal.
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