Lechuguilla Cave, Limestone cave in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, US
The cave system extends through 145 miles of mapped passages, reaching depths of 1,604 feet beneath the Guadalupe Mountains surface.
Initially considered insignificant, the cave underwent a transformation in 1986 when Colorado cavers discovered extensive passages beyond its entrance pit.
Scientists and researchers from multiple disciplines study the cave's formations to understand geological processes and microbial life patterns.
Entry permissions are exclusively granted to approved scientific researchers, survey teams, and National Park Service management personnel.
The cave contains distinctive gypsum chandeliers measuring 20 feet, hydromagnesite balloons, and rare rock-eating bacteria within its chambers.
Location: Eddy County
GPS coordinates: 32.19064,-104.50331
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:30
Natural caves form over thousands of years through chemical and physical processes in various rock formations. Limestone caves develop through the slow dissolution of carbonate rock, creating stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral deposits. Ice caves preserve frozen structures year-round in mountainous regions, while marble chambers result from the erosion of metamorphic rock. These geological formations offer insight into Earth's history and natural processes that unfold over millions of years. Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico extends more than 30 miles (48 kilometers) of explored passages with large chambers filled with limestone formations. Eisriesenwelt in Austria is one of the world's largest ice caves, stretching 26 miles (42 kilometers) through the Tennengebirge mountains. Reed Flute Cave in Guilin displays colorfully illuminated limestone formations dating back 180 million years. In New Zealand, glowworms illuminate the ceilings of Waitomo Caves, while Puerto Princesa's underground river in the Philippines flows through limestone rock. The marble chambers of Patagonia show wave-like patterns carved by water into calcium carbonate rock.
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Wallace Pratt Lodge
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Carlsbad Irrigation District
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Pine Springs Visitor Center
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Pine Springs Trailhead
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Eddy County Courthouse
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Devils Hall
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Frijole Ranch Picnic Area
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Natural Entrance
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Cottonwood Day Use Area
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