We took a slightly longer route from Dallas to Phoenix, so we could stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Being the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, I really wanted to visit at least one national park during my trip back to the states. Carlsbad Caverns was on the way. Just south, practically neighboring New Mexico’s national park is one of Texas’, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, so we made a quick stop there too before continuing on to Phoenix.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
One of the United States’ World Heritage Sites, Carlsbad Caverns is a sight to behold. With mighty stone formations covering floors and ceilings of massive subterranean chambers, this place leaves an impression on its visitors.
As the park’s name intones, there are many caves, 119 known caves to be exact, protected at Carlsbad. Two entrances lead into the caves. The natural entrance zigzags and meanders down a steep path to the Big Room, or an elevator takes guests down. The more than 8 acre Big Room is accessible as a self-guided experience. A paved path leads around the 1.2 mile route with signs to educate about what you see.
This is what we did. With a three year old in our company, the other, more intense, guided tours were not an option. As impressive as the Big Room is for volume, I feel like it pales in comparison to Furong Cave near Chongqing, China that I visited last Christmas.
Carlsbad Caverns is a national and world treasure. Having now been twice in my adult life for just a few hours to visit the Big Room, I really hope to return and spend a little bit more time there to spelunk through some of the other caves with a ranger and witness the bat spectacle.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
For being such a large state, Texas is only home to two national parks. There are other properties managed by the National Park Service, but only two have the protection of law as a national park. One of them is Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the far western reaches just south of the border with New Mexico.
Guadalupe Mountains is one of those parks that would best be enjoyed by hiking and camping for a few days at a time. There are two historic sites and a visitor center right off the highway that we took advantage of, but we didn’t have time to truly explore this park.
Behind the visitor center, a small nature trail led us to the ruins of an old stage coach stop. The desert scenery is beautiful with the backdrop of the mountains behind it.
Just up the road from the visitor center is Frijole Ranch, started in 1876. It was one of many ranches around the area. This one changed hands many times, but served as a hub for others with its small school house and freshwater spring. Park visitors can explore the ranch house and school in addition to the surrounding orchard and grounds.
