"Carlsbad Caverns National Park" a Carlsbad Travel Page by roamer61

Carlsbad is the ideal base to visit Carlsbad Caverns Natl. Park. It is home to the most extensive cave system in the USA. Several large chambers contain a variety of formations, including stalagtites and stalagmites. Many are named due to their unusual shapes and forms. One can take either a guided or self-guided tour. These tours range in length from 1 hour and up. In addition to the caverns, there is a nature trail (see off the beaten track), motor trail, and during the right time of year, a nightly flight of bats that emerge from deep within the caverns. An amphitheater provides seating for this spectacle of nature. An excursion to New Cave is available for true adventurers. These undeveloped caves require flashlights or headlamps. Be prepared to crawl through places that the main caverns were once like, many, many years ago. Carlsbad Caverns is a must destination for anyone with an interest in caves or the geology of our planets. Young and old alike will be enthralled by the caverns at Carlsbad.