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New Mexico is hot.  Like, way hotter than I expected.  Most of the road trip was around the 80’s temperature wise, but not New Mexico.  It was all right around 100.  After the hot air balloon ride in Albuquerque, we told one of the guys on the balloon team we were going to Roswell and he asked why.  We weren’t really sure.  Aliens I guess?  Then he suggested Carlsbad Caverns because it was close.  So we did it, we went there.  Porque no?

After stopping briefly in the ridiculous heat, maybe twice, we were ready for something a little cooler so this was perfect.  It was really, like, an hour past Roswell, but it was too late to turn back at the point we realized.  I knew about the caverns before the trip, but didn’t think we would go because we didn’t plan on going that far south.  That changed.

I didn’t really know what to expect.  I knew it was caves, but I didn’t think it would be as spacious as it was.  It was huge!  I can’t imagine finding something like this.  There was a path around the whole edge with lights showing off the  more impressive formations.

I think it took about an hour to walk the whole thing.  I was a little bummed that it was just that, a path, but I also figured an intense cave tour would be a little much for a popular national park with tourists of all ages.  It was still pretty cool to see though, because I love caves.  I’m glad we went, but I probably won’t go again.  I thinks it’s a good place to see if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t go way out of my way to see it.

(Update 2021: I went back in March 2020 and LOVED it so much!  It’s absolutely a bucket list topper.)

Tips for visiting Carlsbad Caverns:

• Bring a sweater.  It may be 100 degrees outside, but it gets cool inside.
• Take the walkway instead of the elevator.  I wish we did that.
• If you want something to read on the horribly boring drive there, check this book out.
• If you’re going to Roswell, this is a good day trip, or vice versa.

Have you been to Carlsbad Caverns?  Do you want to?  What did you think of it?  What other caves should I see?