Carlsbad Caverns

Motel·CarlsbadRecommended by 2 publications
Carlsbad Caverns
Photo: Atlas Obscura
“The second-largest cave chamber in the world was discovered in 1898 by a 16-year-old and a friend known as "Pothead."…”
Atlas Obscura
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In the coverage2 stories

Lonely PlanetSep 22

A Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico is unique. Plan your travels through the 47th state with this visitor guide.

Over 30 miles long, 1027ft deep, cathedral-sized rooms

13 things in this story
  • Carlsbad CavernsMotelOver 30 miles long, 1027ft deep, cathedral-sized rooms
  • Elsewhere
  • Route 66SightNew Mexico, United StatesRetro joints and scenic byways
  • International Balloon FiestaFestivalAlbuquerque, United StatesAnnual event in October, attracts nearly a million people
  • Southwest ChiefPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque
  • Sunset LimitedPlaceNew Mexico, United StatesAmtrak train route stopping in Deming and Lordsburg
  • ABQ RidePlaceAlbuquerque, United StatesFree bus service in Albuquerque
  • Valles CalderaSightJemez Mountains, United StatesHuge mountain meadows, volcanic life, hot springs
  • Turquoise TrailTrailSanta Fe, United StatesScenic byway from Santa Fe to east of Albuquerque
  • Old TownSuburbAlbuquerque, United StatesHome to 150 independent restaurants and boutiques
  • Rattlesnake MuseumMuseumAlbuquerque, United StatesMore than 80 snakes and venomous spiders
  • Sandia MountainsSightAlbuquerque, United StatesNumerous trails and Sandia Peak Tramway
  • Sandia Peak TramwayAttractionAlbuquerque, United States2.7-mile-long, longest in the US, to 10,378ft summit
  • White Sands National ParkSightWhite Sands, United StatesField of white sand dunes, largest of its kind on Earth
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraNov 5, 2025

Colonel Boles Formation in Carlsbad, New Mexico

Deep below the New Mexico desert, Carlsbad Caverns hosts some of the most pristine and otherworldly limestone formations in the world. Deeper still lies the Lower Cave, inaccessible to visitors who have not booked a guided tour. The Lower Cave is well regarded for its natural beauty and, due to its lack of development, appears much the same as it did when it was discovered. However, it was not…

Hosts pristine and otherworldly limestone formations

5 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →
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