This is the natural entrance to Carlsbad Cavern. It is a 1.25 mile walk downhill (and uphill if you chose to hike back up). We did both. There are elevators for those who don't wish to walk down or who are unable to. If you can, it is a wonderful experience to walk down because you really get a feel for the depth of the cave (and it is good exercise)! Best on black. That is Annie (my daughter) and Larry (my husband ) walking down. This is how we walk everywhere (with me way behind taking photos...LOL). The day we were hiking in Guadalupe Mountains National Park one of the elevators got stuck near the bottom. Three people were in it for 3 hours before they were able to get them out. This was the first time in years that an elevator malfunctioned.
