Carlsbad Caverns vs Kartchner Caverns

The majority of Carlsbad is not growing. The majority of Kartchner is still actively growing. . . have given the tours at Kartchner. :)

DesertHawk,

What a detailed reply. I don't know how much, if any, of New Mexico we might make it to on our trip out that way in November, but I'm saving this for a future trip if we don't get there this time.

Thank you.

2gypsies wrote:
The majority of Carlsbad is not growing. The majority of Kartchner is still actively growing. . . have given the tours at Kartchner. :)

Have surveyed (mapping) and done cave restoration in Carlsbad back in the 90's. You haven't seen the areas I have. :)
I had to educate my Kartchner tour guide. :)
Kartchner had a small mud puddle were Carlsbad has Lake Of The Clouds.
:) :0

Carlsbad is 10$
Kartchner is 22.95$

I remember when the National Speleological Society had the story on Kartchner after the discoverers told the world. A much more interesting find than the virgin cave me and a buddy dug into. We had to dip one eye and ear under water to get past a low water constriction near the entrance. We never went back to map it because it was such a nasty wet crawling mud hole.

I saw Mammoth in KY before Carlsbad. The names need to be switched!

Mammoth is l-o-n-g, Carlsbad is BIG!

I have seen many caves in the east. The formations are all similar due to chemistry.

Camped at Karchner and was satisfied seeing the exhibits in the visitor's center.

Used Karchner CG to make a day trip to Bisby and Tombstone!

HTH;
John

I like them both. Karchner is a relatively new find. The traffic has not worn it as much as Carlsbad due to the time it has been open. They are different from each other. we winter in Tucson and have yet to see their cave. I would suggest going South and East from the petrified forest and visit Pie Town,NM. Stop for pie at Pie-O-Neer on the East side of town on the north side of the road. Drop down I-25 at Soccoro to Truth or Consequences and visit Riverbend Hot Springs. Then on south to Hatch for a Green Chili Cheese Burger at Sparkies. Now head over to Carlsbad through White sands and Alamogordo.

We haven't done Kartchner but have done Carlsbad, last year like you we had to make decisions we opted for Carlsbad and were not disappointed. Wife has Lupus so we took the "short" tour still spent 2 plus hours down there, absolutely amazing.

2gypsies wrote:
. . . have given the tours at Kartchner. :)

My wife and I are interpretive BLM Rangers in Oregon during the summer. This winter we are going to Kartchner Caverns to volunteer as tour guides. I have a few questions about the Park and would love for 2gypsies to PM me:C

Highways 70 and 60 from Holbrook to Kratchner are in very good condition. Skip the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest and see both caverns. You will not be disappointed. Someone mentioned that it was a long hike down into Carlsbad, and this is true. We have always hiked down and then rode the elevator up. You can ride it down also and tour as much as you want. The hike is great and the bats are awesome!

Yosemite Dan wrote:

2gypsies wrote:
. . . have given the tours at Kartchner. :)

My wife and I are interpretive BLM Rangers in Oregon during the summer. This winter we are going to Kartchner Caverns to volunteer as tour guides. I have a few questions about the Park and would love for 2gypsies to PM me:C

Dan - I just sent you a PM.

Been to Kartchner Caverns twice, it is wonderful. Go to Kartchner!!