Looked at from the outside the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico are nothing to write home about and consist of a few gray rock formations and a bit of scrub brush covering a not too cliff. However, inside this is one of the most wondrous landscapes on Earth and, with more than 100 limestone caves to explore, you can wander through the caves for years without seeing the cave thing twice.

If you are feint hearted then the Bat Cave is not for you as it is the home of many thousands of these flying mammals. The Bifrost Room, which is named after the Bifrost bridge into Valhalla, is breathtaking and the colors truly echo those of the rainbow spectrum of this mythical crossing. The largest open chamber in the system is The Hall of Giants which covers a staggering 360,000 square feet. Within all of these, and many more rooms, you can see Mother Nature at her most creative.

The Witch’s Finger, a giant stalagmite, is a corkscrew-like structure that is more than five times the height of the average person and the Rock of Ages is even more impressive as it makes stationary rock seem to move and the numerous flowstone outcroppings look like a demon’s lair glowing from within.

Within the caverns you can choose self guided or staff guided tours with varying degrees of difficulty from easy hikes through large open spaces to scaling 10 foot walls and crawling through narrow entrances into large chambers.

One particular takes you through a section of Lechuguilla Cave which, at over 1,600 feet below ground, is the deepest cave in America. The cave covers a total of more than 112 miles winding through the Guadalupe Mountains.

If you are not quite so active then you can travel to the Big Room by elevator which descends 900 feet and look up to be simply captivated by this 25 story high open space. You can then wander around this 1,800 foot by 250 foot room which is filled with incredible rock formations. You should also visit the Temple of the Sun and view its dozens of eerily lit pools.

If you do want to see the bats though you will have to visit between the months of April and September as the three hundred thousand Mexican free tailed bats fly south for the winter. A short half mile hike from the entrance leads to a plateau from where you can descend the 750 feet into the Bat Cave.

And do not forget to pop on your favorite pair of Vasque hiking boots and take a look at the area around the caves as there are a number of fascinating things to see and do. In spite of its name, along Rattlesnake Springs you are far more likely to see dozens of birds and harmless reptiles than you are to encounter the snakes which give this place its name.

A final favorite with visitors is a ride along the 10 mile scenic drive through Walnut Canyon. This drive takes you along Guadalupe Ridge and the views along the way are simply spectacular.

Of course the Carlsbad Caverns are merely one of many splendid hiking areas in the United States and rank with such other great pleasures as the hiking trails of Yellowstone.