On Monday morning, we left Artesia and drove a little over an hour to Carlsbad Caverns. A coyote darted across the freeway right in front of our car on the drive, which was both terrifying and exciting!
As we drove, we listened to a local radio program and the radio announcers kept welcoming all the Texans to New Mexico. We had no idea that New Mexico was so popular with Texas travelers on spring break, but of course it makes sense as it is so close by (for much of Texas -- just not Houston!).
As we drove, we listened to a local radio program and the radio announcers kept welcoming all the Texans to New Mexico. We had no idea that New Mexico was so popular with Texas travelers on spring break, but of course it makes sense as it is so close by (for much of Texas -- just not Houston!).
We were prepared to find crowds at the caverns, so we dropped Gene off at the visitors center entrance while the boys and I found parking. We grabbed snacks and coats (it was windy and chilly and the average temperature inside the caverns is only 56 degrees). By the time we'd finished our snack, Gene was through the very long ticket line and we were ready to head down and start our adventure.
Most people enter through the Natural Entrance, which is a winding and strenuous 1.25 mile trail that takes you down 750 feet to the Big Room. Then you can tour the Big Room (another 1.25 mile trail) and then take the elevator back up to the top. Because the spring break crowds meant long waits for the elevator up, the ranger suggested that we do the reverse: take the elevator DOWN, tour the Big Room, and hike back out ( 75 stories up!). We're rule-followers so we did as the ranger suggested!
These photos don't do the caverns justice at all, but it's an incredible experience, even if you been to other caves. The Big Room is massive -- at about 8.2 acres total, over 6 football fields would fit inside! It's the largest single cave chamber in North America and absolutely worth visiting.
After walking the Big Room loop, we decided to grab sandwiches (available in the cavern!) and eat before our hike out. How often do you get to eat in a cave?
And then, fueled up, we tackled the trek back to the top. We took a few breaks to rest and admire the surroundings, but managed to complete the 75-story hike out in 45 minutes! The boys, in particular, did great.
Panoramic shot
Made it to the top!
The visitor's center was even more crowded when we were finished with the tour, so we opted not to do the Junior Ranger program and settled for photos with these bat cut-outs.
The Big Room tour is self-guided, but there are ranger-led tours available for other caverns and plenty to do if you had more time to spend at the park.
This state park is a combination zoo/botanical gardens that showcases plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Bolson tortoise
mountain lion
What a gem of a state park! Even though we were tired from our Carlsbad Caverns adventures, this park was definitely worth a visit.
After lots and lots of hiking, we were more than happy to check in to the hotel, eat complimentary popcorn and drink hot chocolate (kids) and coffee (me). We had planned on dinner at one restaurant but the wait time was ridiculously long, so we settled on the nearby Lucky Bull Grill. With local beer on the menu and burgers for the kids, we couldn't ask for anything more!
Coloring while waiting for dinner
It was a long day but an incredible adventure!
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