Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The self guided tour was fantastic. Staff and as friendly and eager to share their knowledge. The walk down into the mouth of the cave prepares one for the low lighting levels once you arrive at the "bottom" level. I say bottom because there places one can look down another 100+feet. The formations are astounding and very up-close. The day I went there were just a few people in the cave so it was very quiet and meditative. This is one of the best deals out there. Well worth the side trip. So glad this jewel is part of our National Park system.

If you like natural beauty, then you have to visit! It's quite our of the way, but worth the drive from any of the nearby cities. Plan to spend about 2.5-3 hours touring the caverns if you walk in and take the elevator out, about 1.5 if you take the elevator down. It's hard to capture the wonder of this place in words. You just have to visit. Admission is $15 for adults (12 and over, I believe). Kids are free. There are restrooms in the visitor center and down in the caverns as well. The gift shop and cafe were open during our visit. As of this review, reservations for cavern entrance are recommended and are available online. Masks are required in the welcome center and in the caverns at all times. Wheelchair accessible for part of the caverns. Check out the photos to get a taste of this magnificent place!