Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque was fun but it did come with a warning: Winter is coming. With morning temps near 40F, we had to dig out our winter jackets, hats and gloves from their hiding place over the drivers rear wheel well. Our friends had suggested heading south to Carlsbad to see the caverns. Since further south would also be warmer, we thought it was a wonderful idea.
The Carlsbad Caverns had lots of paving and railing which allows them to just turn you loose in the developed part of the caves, no tour ticket or tour guide required.
You get to enter through the “Natural Entrance”, natural plus that paving and railing I mentioned. When we visited Jewel Cave we had to enter through an elevator.
As you descend and loose those last bits of daylight you feel the cool, damp air surround you, as well as the smell that is reminiscent of an uncleaned hamster cage. Did I mention that the cave is also full of bats? As daylight receded behind us we were glad we had brought our fleeces.
And you get a warning:
Once inside though you are surrounded by stunning formations.
And there is an elevator so to can take a ride back up the approximately 800 feet up to the surface.