Among the scorpions in North America, the ‘unpleasant’ ones are typically to be found in New mexico so be careful when you go there and be ’scorpion aware’
Seen from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are nothing to write home about and consist of a few gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a not too cliff. But, step inside and this is one of the most wondrous landscapes on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander through the caves for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.
The Bat Cave is not for the faint hearted and is home to of thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room is breathtaking and, named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla from a Scandinavian myth, the colors truly echo those of the rainbow. The largest open chamber in the system is The Hall of Giants which covers an amazing 360,000 square feet. Within all of 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 over five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is truly impressive as it makes stationary rock appear to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings look like a demon’s lair glowing from within.
Within the Carlsbad Caverns you can either take self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from simple hikes around large open spaces to climbing ten foot high walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.
One particular takes you through part of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is the deepest cave in America. This cave covers a total of more than 112 miles winding through the Guadalupe Mountains.
For the less active, you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and look up and be awestruck by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 250 by 1,800 foot room filled with incredible rock formations. Also take the time to visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit underground pools.
If you do want to see the bats though you must visit between April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats who live here fly south for the winter. A half mile hike from the natural entrance will take you to a plateau from where you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.
And do not forget to pop on your favorite pair of Timberland hiking boots and take a look at the area surrounding the caves as there are a number of fascinating things to do and see. Despite its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to see dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to encounter the dangerous snakes from which the place gets its name.
Another favorite with visitors is the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply awe-inspiring.
The Carlsbad Caverns are of course merely one of many splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as the hiking trails of Yellowstone.
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