Carlsbad National Park in southern New Mexico was a much anticipated stop on our trip. There are two choices for getting into the cavern. You can take an elevator down from the visitors center, or you can walk down to the natural entrance. We decided to walk to the natural entrance. The photo below shows the top portion of the entrance. It is a steep zig zagging path that leads down. The path down to and inside the cavern is paved with hand rails. The ranger at the visitors center said to be sure to stay on the path, or you would get a jolt of electricity.
There were a number on interesting formations inside the cave. We paid $5.oo to get the hand held audio tour that gave more information along the path of the cave. All you had to do was punch in the corresponding number to the marker on the path.
The lighting throughout the cave highlighted special features such as stalagmites and stalactites.
About a mile+ walk into the cave there is a deli, shopping, restrooms, and postal area. This is also the same area that has the elevators that go back up to the visitors center. We choose to continue on another trail inside the cavern to see the big room and more.
Luie worked in his junior ranger book and was able to complete it and make his pledge in the visitors center, to receive his junior ranger badge. He is very proud of that badge.
There were people with liltte babies in there and the self-guided tour is actually really long and totally worth the $6 an adult. (so cheap!) There are even a few shortcuts if you don’t want to do the whole loop and there is an elevator to take you down and back up if you don’t want to hike it. Very family friendly!