Hiking In New Mexico's Carlsbad Caverns National Park

From the outside the Carlsbad Caverns, which are located in New Mexico, are nothing special and consist of a few gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a not too cliff. But, inside this is one of the most wondrous landscapes anywhere on Earth and, with over 100 limestone caves for you to explore, you could wander here for years without ever seeing the cave thing twice.

If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is the home 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 here truly echo those of the rainbow. The Hall of the Giants, which is the largest open chamber in the system, covers an incredible 360,000 square feet. Within these, and the many other rooms, you will discover some of Mother Nature's most creative work.

The Witch's Finger, a giant stalagmite, is a corkscrew-like formation which is over five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock appear to move and the numerous outcroppings of flowstone look like a demon's lair glowing from within.

Within the caverns you can take self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from easy hikes around large open spaces to climbing ten foot high walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.

One tour takes you through part of Lechuguilla Cave which, at more than one thousand six hundred feet below ground, is the deepest cave in America. The cave covers more than 112 miles as it winds through the Guadalupe Mountains.

If you are not quite so active then you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and gaze up and be captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then walk around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room that is filled with amazing rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and see the dozens of eerily lit pools.

If you do want to see the bats however you will have to visit between April and September as the 300,000 Mexican free tailed bats who live here fly south for the winter. A short half mile hike from the natural entrance leads to a plateau from which you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.

Remember too to pop on your favorite pair of discount hiking boots and explore the area around the caves as there are many fascinating things to both see and do. In spite of its name, hiking along Rattlesnake Springs you are much more likely to see dozens of harmless reptiles and birds than you are to see the dangerous snakes which give this place its name.

Another favorite with visitors to the area is the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.

Of course the Carlsbad Caverns are merely one of many splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as Yosemite day hikes.