Looked at from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns, which are located in New Mexico, are nothing special and consist of several gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a less than impressive cliff. But, inside this is one of the most incredible landscapes to be found anywhere on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander here for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.
If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room, which is named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla, will leave you breathless and the colors here truly echo those of the rainbow spectrum of this mythical crossing. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers a staggering 360,000 square feet. Within these, and many more rooms, you will see some of Mother Nature's most creative work.
A giant stalagmite – The Witch's Finger – is a corkscrew-like structure which is more than five times the the average person's height and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock appear to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings resemble a demon's lair glowing from within.
Within the Carlsbad Caverns you can choose self guided or staff guided tours which vary in their degree of difficulty from easy walks around large open spaces to scaling 10 foot high walls and crawling through narrow openings into large chambers.
One tour takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is the deepest cave in the United States. This cave covers a total of more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.
For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by taking an elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up to be captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 250 by 1,800 foot room that is filled with incredible rock formations. Also take the time to visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit pools.
If you want to see the bats though you will need to visit between April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats fly south for the winter. A short half mile hike from the entrance leads to a plateau from which you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.
Remember too to pop on your favorite pair of discount hiking boots and take a look at the area outside the caves as there are a number of fascinating things to do and see. Despite its name, along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to come across dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to see the dangerous snakes from which the place gets its name.
A final favorite with visitors to the area is a ride along the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive travels along Guadalupe Ridge and the views are quite simply magnificent.
The Carlsbad Caverns are of course just one of the splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as guided hikes in Yosemite.
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