Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Sights To See in Carlsbad
Carlsbad Cavern
Caves
Hall of White Giants
Kings Palace
Left Hand Tunnel
Lower Cave
Slaughter Canyon cave
Spider Cave
Cave Formations
Natural Entrance
Devils Den
Witches Finger
Iceberg
Green Lake Room
Queens Chamber
Papoose Room
Boneyard
Rest Area and Lunchroom
Jim White Tunnel
Giant Dome
Twin Domes
Painted Grotto
Rock of Ages
Crystal Spring Dome
Temple of the Sun
Caveman Junction
Totem Pole
Top of the Cross
Mirror Lake
Bottomless Pit
Lechuguilla Cave
The Chandelier Ballroom
The Chandelier Ballroom is named for the fabulously glittering white crystals of gypsum that hang down from the ceiling. These gypsum crystals are also known as alabaster, which is a word people sometimes use to mean a brilliant shade of white. As gypsum is a very soft mineral, these "crystal chandeliers" could be damaged very easily by human touch. The National Park Service understands the overwhelming urge to touch and feel these beautiful crystals, so that's why they've made these caves off-limits to the general public.
The Pearlsian Gulf
This room is called the Pearlsian Gulf because of all the "cave pearls" (http://www.extremescience.com/CavePearls.htm) located in the pools of water. These formations are called cave pearls for a good reason. Not only because they look like pearls, but because they were created in much the same way oysters create real pearls. Oysters deposit a mucus-like substance around a grain of sand that gets into their shell, which hardens into a layer of pearl. Over time, these hardened layers build up to form a pearl.
In the case of the cave pearls, as water dripped from the ceiling and splashed into a puddle, tiny amounts of calcium dissolved in the puddle water slowly built up around small fragments of rock. Over a long period of time, the accumulated layers of calcium created these smooth, round pearls.
It's amazing how water, rich with minerals, dripping from the ceiling of this deep cave, could create so many incredibly different and varied forms of crystals. Many of the crystal formations in this cave would not be possible anywhere else because the conditions down here are just perfect for this crystal nursery.
Scenic Drive
The 9.5 mile Walnut Canyon Desert Drive is a gravel, one-way loop through dramatic desert mountain scenery. Passenger cars can travel the road easily, but the narrow, twisting route is not recommended for trailers or motor homes. A guide booklet is available at the visitor center.
Nature Trail
This one mile paved partially accessible trail begins at the visitor center and highlights desert plants.
Rattlesnake Springs
This historic oasis is the source of the park's water and includes a picnic area, shade trees, restrooms and excellent bird watching. Day use only.
Carlsbad Caverns In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
