We arrived at our campsite near Carlsbad Cavern on Tuesday, about 2:30pm, the day before our scheduled tour. We decided to drive up to the park to have a look around, read all the exhibits, and watch the short movies about the discovery and explanations of the caves.
The natural opening to the cave is at the top of the mountain and the view is fantastic. In about a month from now a 1/2 million bats will leave the cave every evening at dusk. We stayed up there until dusk, but saw only 3 bats leave.
On Wednesday, we arrived early for our 10:30 self-guided audio tour and took advantage of good cell service at the top.
Listen up people. Gather round. I’m about to tell a tale of the coolest place I’ve ever been.
As I mentioned the natural opening is at the top of the mountain, so you start your tour with a brisk walk down 75 stories to the bottom. It is a series of switchbacks that just disappear into the abyss. I wonder how many times I said “This is unbelievable?” It took 1 1/2 hrs to descend. There are formations all the way down and then you get to the “Big Room” at the bottom. It takes another 1 1/2 hrs to make that loop. You do get to take an elevator back to the top, but we did see a few people walking up. This is my most favorite place that I’ve ever been. I cannot recommend this more. It is more astounding than any mountain or canyon or forest I have ever seen.
I will post some pictures, but they do not do it justice.
trail down
trail down
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