Courtesy of the New Mexico
Department of Tourism

Carlsbad Caverns National Park
contains gigantic subterranean chambers and formations that are home to some 300,000 Mexican free-tail bats who reside in the Caverns from the spring until October. Carlsbad Caverns National Park contains over 97 known caves, including Lechuguilla Cave?the nation's deepest limestone cave at 1,567 feet (478m) and third longest. Carlsbad Cavern, with one of the world's largest underground chambers and countless formations, is highly accessible, with a variety of tours offered year-round.

A gaping hole in the earth is the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Southeast New Mexico. Visitors have the option of walking down a winding path into the caves, or taking a high-speed elevator.