THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GET READY TO BE AMAZED
DID YOU KNOW? Most people go through the Caverns "self-guided." You don't have to be on a tour, although there are several guided options available. Going in on your own allows flexibility for start times and duration. Keep in mind that the Caverns are HUGE, an indescribably large system. (For point of reference: in just one area of these amazing caves, you could put 14 Astrodomes!) By far, the most beautiful way to go in is via the Natural Entrance. This is a long, winding walk down - paved with handrail - that gives a spectacular sense of the vastness of this underground wonder. Native American tribes first went into the caves about 1,000 years ago. They left no written record, of course, but later explorers found mysterious markings and drawings left by the first visitors. In the 1800's, settlers going west made tentative forays into the darkness and, finally, in 1915, the first B&W photographs were taken. Word of the discovery spread east like wildfire. Renowned cave explorer Jim White went in via drop bucket and the rest is history! Click on the picture at left to learn more about the Carlabad Caverns.
SLAUGHTER CANYON CAVE
This is one of Carlsbad Caverns most popular ranger-guided cave adventures. Seeing by headlamps, view some of the most spectacular formations in the Caverns system.
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This tour is available every Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are required. Call 877-444-6777 or reserve online at recreation.gov.
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Groups are limited to 20 persons, age 8 and up. $15/person, $7.50 for age 15 and under.
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Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
"THE CHRISTMAS TREE" FORMATION
Two of the most popular guided tours are through The Left Hand Tunnel and The Kings Palace. These are small group walking tours, accompanied by a guide. The tours go out at intervals, through the day, and usually have space available. The Kings Palace Tour offers the "dark experience" when the lanterns are extinguished for several minutes. You can really get a sense of what it was like for the first explorers. IMAGINE: deep underground in a complete and total darkness.
THE UNIVERSE BELOW
CARLSBAD KOA 2 Manthei Rd * Carlsbad NM 88220 Carlsbad KOA Office: 575-457-2000 Alternate Number: 1-800-562-9109 E-mail: carlsbadkoa@gmail.com Your Hosts: James and Shelley Fugitt
