Carlsbad Caverns
See more Caves & Caving. See best of United States
|
Recommended by Mike Lyvers Hundreds and thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats live in Carlsbad Caverns and each evening they pour from the cave in an explosion of flapping winds and bat scent. The early morning return of the bats is a more subdued affair, but still dramatic as bats dive back into the cave from high in the air. Inside the deep limestone cave complex are the fossilised remains of a reef system which has been eaten away by sulphuric acid, so rock formations vary from the standard stalactite and stalagmite arrangement. Massive caverns have been opened up by the collapse of walls, the largest over 25 storeys high and a kilometre wide. Parts of the complex are still being explored, but there are many formations and unique grottos to visit that have been set up as show caves and offer easy access. The bats live in the cavern between May and October/ November and migrate to Mexico for the winter, but the best bat experiences are between August and September when the newly born bat babies (pups) begin joining in with the adults and the colony multiplies over night.
3 / 5
Review by editor ‘Subterranean Travels: Why I'd rather be Underground’Caves aren't just the underground domain of the caver, the beauty of their stalactite and stalagmite covered cavern ceilings and floors are accessible to all and very photogenic. (Travel article) Read more » ‘Carlsbad Caverns National Park’This karst landscape in the state of New Mexico comprises over 80 recognized caves. They are outstanding not only for their size but also for the profusion, ... Read more »
3 / 5
Review by editor ‘Carlsbad Caverns’Within Carlsbad National Park there are over 110 caves. These caves were formed by sulphuric acid dissolving into nearby limestone. The result: some ... Read more »
2 / 5
Review by member ‘Carlsbad’Carlsbad is among the top five most spectacular show caves in the world. Experienced cavers will want to join one or more of the wild caving tours off the ... Read more »
5 / 5
Review by expert member Have you been here? Why not add your own review or report an error. |
Photo by UNESCO
More great holidays » Selected holidaysThere are no holidays that feature this experience. More great holidays |
