Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [107]
Hall of the White Giant
.5 mile one-way. Strenuous. Access: Visitor center.
If you want a strenuous, 3- to 4-hour trip during which you crawl through narrow, dirty passageways and climb slippery rocks, this tour is for you. The highlight is the huge formation called the White Giant. Only those in excellent physical condition should consider this tour; children must be at least 12. Four AA batteries for the provided headlamp and sturdy hiking boots are required, and kneepads, gloves, and long pants are strongly recommended.
Left Hand Tunnel
.5 mile one-way. Easy. Access: Visitor center, near the elevator.
The easiest of the caving tours, this one allows you to actually walk—rather than crawl—the entire time! Hand-carried lanterns (provided by the Park Service) light the way, and the trail is dirt but relatively level. You'll see a variety of formations, fossils from Permian times, and pools of water. Children must be at least 6. The tour takes about 2 hours.
Lower Cave
1 mile RT. Moderate. Access: Visitor center, near the elevator.
This 3-hour trek involves descending or climbing over 50 feet of ladders, and an optional crawl. It takes you through an area that was explored by a National Geographic Society expedition in the 1920s, and you'll see artifacts from that and other excursions. In addition, you'll encounter a variety of formations, including cave pearls, which look a lot like the pearls created by oysters and can be as big as golf balls. Participants must be at least 12. Four AA batteries are required for the provided headlamp; sturdy hiking boots and gloves are recommended.
OTHER CAVING TOURS
It takes some hiking to reach the other caves in the park, so carry drinking water, especially on hot summer days. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; other age restrictions apply as well. Each tour includes a period of total darkness or "blackout." Fees apply for both, but a general cave admission ticket is not required. Tours are popular and are frequently fully booked; call a few months ahead for reservations.
Slaughter Canyon Cave
1.25 miles RT (plus .5-mile hike to and from cave entrance). Moderate. Access: Take U.S. 62/180 from Carlsbad, going south 5 miles from White's City, to marked turnoff that leads 11 miles to parking lot. Driving time is 45 min. Tours meet at and depart from cave entrance.
Discovered in 1937, this cave was commercially mined for bat guano (used as fertilizer) until the 1950s. It consists of a corridor 1,140 feet long with many side passageways. The excellent guided tour lasts about 2½ hours, plus at least another half-hour to hike up the steep trail to the cave entrance. No crawling is involved, although the smooth flow-stone and old bat guano on the floor can be slippery, so good hiking boots are recommended. You'll see a number of wonderful cave formations, including the crystal-decorated Christmas Tree, the 89-foot-high Monarch, and the menacing Klansman. Children must be at least 6. Participants must take D battery flashlights.
Spider Cave
1-mile loop (plus .5-mile hike to and from cave). Strenuous. Access: Visitor center; follow ranger to cave.
Very strenuous, this tour is ideal for those who want the experience of a rugged caving adventure as well as some great underground scenery. Highlights include climbing down a 15-foot ladder, squeezing through very tight passageways, and climbing on slippery surfaces—all this after a fairly tough half-mile hike to the cave entrance. But it's worth it. The cave has numerous beautiful formations—most much smaller than those in the Big Room— and picturesque pools of water. Participants must be at least 12, need four AA batteries for the provided headlamps, and should wear good hiking boots. Kneepads, gloves, and long pants are strongly recommended.
WILD CAVING
Experienced cavers with the proper gear can request permits from the park's Cave Resources Office (☎ 505/