I have been extremely impressed by the effort the National Park Service has put into maintaining and enhancing some of our national treasures. (Especially when I’ve also seen what happens when these sites are owned and operated by private, for-profit organizations).
Carlsbad Caverns might be the greatest example of the wisdom of the National Park Service I’ve yet to see. Clean, safe walkways. Excellent education outreach. Courteous and curious rangers. And bats. Lots of bats (if you stay… no pictures allowed there…).
Fun fact that we found out too late: there are popular Ranger-led tours which sell out a month out. BUT apparently they hold a few tickets as first-come-first-served, so get there real early and you might score some tickets.
Learn more at:
https://www.nps.gov/cave/index.htm
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