Carlsbad Caverns

So many people I know had been "dragged" to Carlsbad Caverns when they were kids. Now as more patient adults they want to go back and see it again. I had never been to the Caverns as a kid and my only adult experience of caves was a visit to Howe Caverns in upstate New York. At Howe Caverns I was frightened by the narrow dark passages and nearly fled from an attack of claustrophobia. Visiting Carlsbad Caverns was a far different experience.

We chose to tour the main cavern because some of the other caverns were ranger led tours that included some narrow tunnels. After descending in an elevator we entered into a series of huge rooms with endless vistas. The self-guided tour was an easy 1.5 hour walk along a narrow pathway. We arrived at 10 a.m. and pretty much had the place to ourselves. I won't attempt to describe how awesome and astoundingly beautiful these Caverns are -- the reader will experience that for him or herself.

If you have dogs you will notice signs that state it is mandatory to board them on the premises while you are touring the Caverns. The fee is minimal and on a sweltering day it would be humane to put dogs in the onsite air conditioned kennels. The rangers are firm -- they do not want generators running in the parking lot there. We visited on an overcast windy day and were told we could get by without boarding if we left the rig windows open. We opened all the windows and the dogs slept comfortably for the two hours we toured the Caverns.