Travel: Descend into darkness

It was cool enough for the First Family.

If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, Carlsbad Caverns — which maintains a year-round temperature of 56 degrees — might be the escape for you.

Courtesy photo: Mike Jimenez

Carlsbad Caverns is about 200 miles, or three hours drive time, from Clovis.

President Obama and family visited the caverns last month as part of their mission to bring attention to the 100-year-old National Park Service.

Carlsbad Caverns is located about 200 miles, or three hours of driving time, from Clovis.

Finding the Caverns is simple — take U.S. 70 Roswell, then Highway 285 south to Carlsbad.

The Caverns are located 20 miles from Carlsbad on US-180W/US-62 W.

Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily with the cost of admission $10 for those 16 and older. Children under 16 are free.

Ranger-guided tours are extra and must be arranged in advance.

For visitors with a sense of adventure and no significant health concerns, the options include following a steep, downward trail 1.25 miles to the Big Room. Along the way you may find a small, not too scary nocturnal creature hanging from one of the rock faces.

For those less adventurous, a short ride down the elevator takes you directly to the Big Room. That’s how the Obamas experienced the cave.

You may want to bring an extra sweater or light jacket. (Remember, it is 56 degrees.)

The use of rubber-soled shoes or boots is recommended to avoid slipping.

For those with babies, the use of strollers is prohibited and baby backpacks are recommended.

Carlsbad Caverns consists of 130 caves, with four being most accessible.

The Big Room is the largest.

The other three: Lechugilla, Spider, and Slaughter Canyon, which all require reservations at least 48 hours out.

In addition to the wonders of the caves themselves, the summer evening exodus of the bats in search of food is a popular event.

Also, there are trails for backpacking and picnic areas.

Mike Jimenez, 63, of Hagerman is an Eastern New Mexico University graduate who has been

traveling New Mexico for decades, mostly on his motorcycle. His series of travel reports will run each Sunday through the

summer.

— Contact him at:

[email protected]