Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

So my dad and I went to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico during the Columbus Holiday weekend (I realize it's not a holiday for most people who don't work for the government). It was a fascinating, short weekend trip. The Cavern was pretty amazing, and unfortunately, because it's pretty dark, most pictures were not great.

We flew into El Paso, Texas and drove 150-160 miles to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Although the flight from Los Angeles was direct, the United plane was a small plane. That route was the most cost effective way to get there, with flights into Russell, New Mexico at double the price for the flight. Along the way, we stopped at Guadalupe Park as well. The drive was pretty easy because there was absolutely deserted.

We stayed at Holiday Inn Express, which is furthest from the Carlsbad Cavern. My dad and I agreed that if we go another time, we would probably like to stay at Best Western or Marriott's, which were closer to the Cavern.

The gas prices were so much cheaper in both New Mexico and Texas than in California.

Anyway, a pretty interesting trip. And here are some pictures that actually came out ok.

The entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park for tickets and information. You can take the elevator down 750 feet to the Caverns!

The picture doesn't do justice but here's one of the columns I saw.

The Great Room (I think) was full of columns and limestones.

They limestones hanging from the ceiling were everywhere! Not to mention on the floor.

There were little pools of water, where water dripped from the stones in the cave. I don't think you would want to drink this water.

Inside the cave is in the 50's... cold for me! That's my fleece jacket!

My dad and the column of limestone.

The column from the ceiling and floor... just about to meet!

We were walking and came upon this narrow passageway. Not sure if you are tall, you can walk through here!

If you don't take the elevator down 750 feet, you can walk down to this natural entrance to the cave. It's pretty steep going down. We cheated and decided we would ONLY go down and take the elevator up...

Outside the Cavern, it's pretty deserted with nothing around. Apparently there was a recent fire so everything outside was pretty much burnt.

Outside the Cavern it was pretty windy. That's me at the nature walk trail above the Cavern.