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Carlsbad Caverns National Park Travel Guide: 152 reviews and 377 photos

Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns became a national park in 1930. The formation of the cavern, however, began much earlier. Approximately 250,000,000 years ago the remains of sponges, algae, and seashells created a 400-mile limestone reef in the inland sea that existed here at the time. The reef was pushed up by forces below the surface and it developed cracks. This uplift is also what formed the nearby Guadalupe Mountains. Eventually the sea evaporated and the reef was buried under many layers of gypsum and salts. Water coming down from the surface combined with water rich with Hydrogen Sulfide gas from oil and gas fields below the surface to form Sulfuric Acid. This acid formed the large chambers you see today. More recently, about 500,000 years ago, the stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations you see began to form as limestone rich water seeped through the earth and dripped into the air-filled cave.

Formations

Lion's Tails

There are a number of different types of formations in the cavern including this one which is called "lion's tails".

Walnut Canyon

There are a few pullouts on the road into the park including one that has a short paved trail leading to an overlook of Walnut Canyon.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Well worth a visit!!

Last visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Feb 2010
Intro Updated Feb 25, 2010
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Reviews (33)

Big Room Trail - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Big Room Trail Sports & Outdoors (2)

The Big Room Trail is 1.5 miles long, paved and relatively flat. The paving can be slippery when wet. Good walking... more travel advice

Ranger Amy - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Meet the People Things to Do (29)

One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to meet the locals. I talked to several rangers and volunteers. One did... more travel advice

Old Girlfriend - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Old Girlfriend Things to Do (29)

I am not actually sure what this type of formation of stalagmite is called; but it kinda reminded me of an old... more travel advice

Bottomless Pit - Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Bottomless Pit Things to Do (29)

Here is the “Bottomless Pit”. It is actually only 370 feet deep, not bottomless, but you may want to watch your step... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Obey all Warnings

Favorites (1)
Carlsbad Caverns

Comments (4)

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toonsarah Mar 1, 2011 at 12:33 PM

We will be visiting here in Spetember I think - thanks for all the useful info and for whetting my appetite!
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BuchBos Mar 1, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Another very informative page. You sound like you really liked the caverns. Nice pictures to.
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SLLiew Feb 26, 2010 at 11:24 AM

Wow...enjoyed a virtual pictoria tour of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Thanks for sharing. Cheers, SL :)
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Durfun Feb 25, 2010 at 4:14 PM

Nice scientific explanation, and pics :) Thanks