Carlsbad Caverns National Park- Carlsbad, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad, New Mexico

     Are you looking for something  to do in New Mexico or south west Texas?! Take the time to check out the Carlsbad Caverns National Park just outside of Carlsbad, New Mexico. It is just a little over 140 miles north of El Paso and about a 5 hour drive south of Albuquerque, New Mexico. But if you like natural wonders this is worth the drive. These caverns are set in the Guadalupe Mountains and are astonishing. You start the tour on top of a mountain, with a breathtaking view of the valley below.

     After checking in a paying a 10.00 fee per adult(children 15 and under are free) you can then choose to walk down to the caverns or take the elevator down the 750 feet to the cavern floors. During the winter the natural entrance is often blocked off, just FYI. When you get to the bottom it is like you are stepping into another world. The caverns are monstrous and the formations are amazing. You can choose to do your own tour or to take a guided tour. My family took the tour on our own and the path is paved and wide which would work well for those with strollers or wheelchairs, although they are parts that are blocked. The total walking tour is about a mile and took us a little over an hour and a half with all our stopping to gawk. But I heard many ahhs and wows from all of my children and I will give you a few reasons why in just a minute. 
     First I wanted to say something about lodging in the area. When I went to find us a hotel I found the hotels were astronomically priced in Carlsbad itself but if you are willing to drive a little it cuts the price almost in half, so just be aware of that little tidbit. So, as promised here are a few wow moments from our tour.

Stalactites aptly named "Cat Tails"

White Giants, that were easily a couple stories tall.

Stalagmites that formed to look like a chandelier.

One of the cavern rooms.