© BY ROBERT NYMEYER
2
From Below
Of several ways to enter the Caverns, only two are permitted today by the National Park Service. One is through the natural entrance and the other is by elevator which takes the visitor rapidly down 754 feet to a spot adjacent to the lunch room and the famous Big Room. The true adventurer—the visitor who wants to really see the Big Cave from the beginning, much as my father first saw it, will prefer to enter through the natural opening with the regular tour. Visitors not in the best of health will go down by elevator, but they will miss much of the fun and excitement.
As the tour passes into the mouth of the natural opening the warm sunshine soon gives way to the yellow incandescence of the man-made light which illuminates all the passageways and underground chambers. The cool cave air is soon felt, and the warm coat or sweater is already appreciated. The guide points out the important features that should not be missed, and answers questions from members of his party about the cave, its history, formations and development.
Visitors today have a sloping paved trail to follow—far easier than the rock strewn path the early explorers crawled over in their thirst for a view of what lay below. Steep climbs have been eliminated by sharp switchbacks which lengthen the walking time but make the descent much easier.
© BY ROBERT NYMEYER
As the tour continues, the descent begins to steepen and the walls change in both composition and texture. Solid rock predominates, appearing much darker than around the entrance. An occasional pale color is noticed in the illuminated areas, and a few moments later the first stalactite is seen hanging from the ceiling.
Shortly the tunnel divides and the party will follow the trail as it leads to the left. The guide points out that to the right is the Bat Cave, that portion of the Caverns where the millions of bats live and where the great guano deposits were found. It extends over a half mile back in an easterly direction and is not a part of the tour.
At this point the trail levels somewhat and the visitor finds himself in the Auditorium, a large room where the Ranger pauses for a brief explanation to the group. Members of the party will be surprised at how well the guide's low voice can be heard, a phenomenon due to the excellent acoustics of the room.