Carlsbad Caverns National Park
In southern New Mexico, among what feels like a barren dessert, lies this hidden treasure. Beneath the surface are over 100 caves, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, geological wonders, bottomless pits and unknown adventures.
The enormous natural entrance cave leads you down a somewhat steep walkway that covers the equivalent of 79 stories in 1.25 miles. It's as if we were descending down to a secret underground world, full of mystery. Once you reach the bottom, the "Big Room" trail is about another 1.25 miles that circles around the cave to show off some of the most impressive features. Low lights are sparingly positioned throughout to enhance viewing in the darkness. The cave maintains a consistent temperature of 56 degrees year round and is fairly humid. (For those not able or willing to hike in or out, there is an elevator to the Big Room also.)
The cave is also home to over 400,000 bats during bat season (late May - October.) Visitors during bat season can watch them fly out of the cave at dusk.
Raymond and I visited the caverns once long ago, before we were even married, and I'd been when I was a little girl too. Even with memories, the caverns are so impressive every time - even bigger than we remembered! If you're even in this part of New Mexico, make it a point to visit.
Read more about Carlsbad Caverns National Park on the official web site HERE.
Wild Aoudad
On our way back to our campground from the caverns, we spotted a herd of wild aoudad along the side of a mountain. There were even tiny little babies climbing up the rocks.