This article highlights four of the best caves in the world: Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Lechuguilla Cave (the fifth longest and deepest cave in the US), and the Crystal Cave of the Giants in Mexico, known for its large selenite crystals. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world and a World Heritage Site, while Carlsbad Caverns features the Great Hall and other spectacular rooms. Lechuguilla Cave is known for its pristine condition and unique formations, while the Crystal Cave of the Giants is forbidden to most due to its extreme temperatures.
While the world has thousands of caves, many of which have barely been explored, this article will highlight four key caves that any spelunker would agree are among the best in the world. These are Mammoth Cave in Kentucky (the largest cave system in the world), Carlsbad Caverns in southeastern New Mexico (among the largest and best decorated caves in North America), Lechuguilla Cave in southeastern New Mexico (recently discovered, 5th longest cave in the world, deepest in the US, among the best preserved), and the Crystal Cave of the Giants, part of the Naica Mine in northern Mexico.
Arguably the most famous cave in the world, the Mammoth Cave system is also the longest known cave system in the world, with more than 360 miles (580 kilometers) of passageways. Mammoth Cave is one of the few caves to be listed as a World Heritage Site and is the only cave to be listed for its natural qualities rather than the man-made statues or paintings found there. Mammoth Cave is located in Edmonson County in central Kentucky where it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year. The cave features huge chambers and spectacular formations, including “Frozen Niagara,” a “cascade” of cave formations.
Another famous cave is found in New Mexico known as Carlsbad Caverns. Its central feature is the Great Hall or Hall of the Giants, with an area of 33,210 square meters (357,459 sq ft). With numerous viewing rooms, including the Green Lake Room, the Bifrost Room, the King’s Palace, the Cloud Lake, the White Giant Room and the Queen’s Room, widely considered the most spectacular room in the cave. During the Cold War, Carlsbad Caverns were evaluated as a possible fallout shelter for many thousands of people.
An amazing recently discovered cave located near Carlsbad Caverns is Lechuguilla Cave, accessible only to approved scientific researchers, survey and exploration teams, and trips related to National Park Service management. This cave is the fifth longest in the world at 120 miles (193 km) long and the deepest in the continental United States at 1,604 feet (489 meters). It is known for its pristine condition, unusual geology and rare formations, some unique in the world. One room, the Chandelier Ballroom, has large chalk formations up to 60 feet (18 m) or more and single chandeliers extending 20 feet (6 m) from the ceiling.
The Crystal Cave of the Giants is among the most spectacular caves in the world, but it is forbidden to practically everyone. This cave contains numerous natural selenite crystals which are the largest natural crystals ever found. Some are 30 feet (9 m) long and weigh 50 tons. Deep underground, this cave has temperatures approaching 130 degrees F (54 degrees C), meaning all participants must wear special protective suits. Due to these harsh conditions, this cave has hardly been explored.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
