Under the World: Carlsbad Cavern National Park

Under the the earth’s crust lies a completely different world!  Water boils underneath Yellowstone, lava flows beneath mountains, water shifts and flows creating caves, sulfuric acid wears at limestone, and the caverns that the water has long ago left are up for exploration! At Carlsbad Cavern Nation Park in New Mexico we had the chance to walk beneath the world above and catch a glimpse of this other world.

Oddly enough, the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns sits at the top of a small mountain, and I could have never guessed what lay under this desert landscape. We drove the twisty road, enjoying the view of the late sun’s light illumining the desert as far as the eye can see.  Lush with cactus, thorny bushes, and rocky hillsides; I couldn’t help but imagine the how the desolate land comes to life as night falls and animals come out to eat.

We arrived at Carlsbad Caverns visitor’s center late in the afternoon and caught the last elevator down to the cave entrance. The rangers told us that we had to hurry if we wanted to see all the sights because the way to Big Room would be closed off soon for the night.

With our camera ready and sneakers tied tight  we powered our way through the incredible landscape that was laid before us.  Lit paved paths with railings on both side make it an extremely easy walk; this left more room for my attention to wander to the vast, and varied formations that were beautifully lit up all around me.

Jim White is accredited with the modern discovery of the cave in 1989 when he was just 16 years old. The story goes that he was rounding up stray cattle when he saw a great mass rise from the side of the cave. Jim thought this may be a volcano or whirlwind, yet neither seemed quite right, so he decided to explore the area. Staring into a large black whole on the side of a hill that lead into the caves Jim found the source of the strange sight and said “out of which the bats seemed literally to boil” as they emerged.

Jim White returned to the cave with a homemade ladder and a young assistant and spent years exploring the cavern and bringing tourists in to the dark depths. Jim named rooms as he found them and always carried string that was attached to the entrance to ensure they would find their way out. Jim spent his life sharing the magic of Carlsbad with others.

Bats can still be seen exploding for the cavern from late April to early November, just as Jim White had seen all those years ago. Mexican Free-tail Bats use the area for breeding and migration. The spectacle sight of their evening out flight can be view almost every night during their time at the cave. Park rangers hold presentations and provide a viewing auditorium for any one who can stay for the sunset and see the bats in flight.

With 117 rooms discovered so far and a breathtaking chamber almost 4,000 feet from top to bottom, and the seventh deepest cave in the world, Carlsbad Cavern in a exciting place to visit. Though the way is paved for the visitors, explorers are still discovering more and more about the cave’s history, making everyone feel like a brave adventurer themselves! The excitement of being in such a different landscape then what can be found above ground is incredible.

I am so happy Brian and I had a chance to discover Carlsbad’s inner depths! The park service have set up a easily accessible path way, so everyone can catch a glimpse of the underground wonderland.