A Whole New World !
Written: May 15 '01
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Pros: This is a beautiful and peaceful natural landmark.
Cons: If your kids are very young do not take them.
The Bottom Line: I think it is great family trip for your older children. It can be hard with little children.
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| sweetycaroline's Full Review: Carlsbad Caverns National Park |
Carlsbad Caverns was a trip I will never forget. Be it the somewhat three and a half long walk lugging a four month old baby or the stunning formations I do not know. The inside of the caverns is so impressive it at times seems unreal. When you look up and see all those formations seeming to be a million miles away it is breath taking.
I could go on and on about the insides of the cavern , but instead I will tell you some things you should know.
Wear good walking shoes as you will be doing a lot of this. They need to have good grips since some parts of the trail can be steep. Sandals is asking for blisters.
This trip is a great family trip for your older kids. If you have little ones I suggest you wait until they are older. Strollers are not allowed and have even caused fatal accidents at the caverns. This is what I was told though it may be an Urban Legend . The park carries baby back packs for children. These are limited and usually gone first thing. You are asked to keep quiet in the caverns and this may be hard for a toddler or pre k child.
There is no smoking , gum chewing , or tobacco allowed in the caverns. The average walk is three and a half miles , I think. Take however long it would take you to walk that distance and figure that is how long you will be without nicotine or gum.
The inside of the cave stays a 56 degrees F all year long. So be sure to dress according to the temperatures. This can be hard to do since in Carlsbad during the summer it is usually in the high 90's.
Cameras and camcorders are allowed except on the guided tours. Be sure to bring a good flash. Even with a flash only a couple of my pictures took. A flashlight is fun for the kids.
You can bring your own food if you want to carry it that far. There is an underground eatery that serves pricey bag lunch type meals. Eating is not allowed on the trails. You do not encounter a bathroom till you make it to the eatery which is basically at the end of the trail.
The park is opened year round . The summer times vary little from winter times. In the summer the caverns stay open until 7:30 pm . Admission is cheap. It only costs six dollars for ages 15 and up. Ages 6 to fourteen is $3.00 and under 5 is free. This is the price for the unguided tour. The guided tour costs between one and two dollars more per person.Children under three years old are not allowed on the guided tours.
There are some areas of the cave that are wheelchair available by elevator . If you want to bring your pet they are not allowed in the caverns , but there is an on site kennel to babysit your baby.
There is camping and hiking outside of the caverns. This should be fun considering you could find indian artifacts here. It is illegal to remove anything from the area or build fires.
The drive to the caverns was in itself a wonderous sight. This may be desert land , but is the most awesome desert I have ever seen. If you can call a desert " lush " with desert life this is what it is.
For more information visit a search engine or go to www.carlsbad.caverns.national-parks.com
Thank you for reading! Caroline
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
sweetycaroline
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Location: West Texas
Reviews written: 75
Trusted by: 31 members
About Me:
God Bless America
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