Carlsbad Caverns

If you sit in absolute silence, you can hear the wings flapping. Hundreds of thousands of bats emerge at dusk from the Natural Entrance of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It’s a big tourist draw. Amazed visitors of all ages wait patiently to hear the flutter of wings and see the dark tornado of bats coming out for their evening insect hunt.

Even for people who are afraid of bats — and there’s no need to be afraid — you’ll find plenty to do and see at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in Eddy County, New Mexico, right on the border with Texas. For one thing, the caverns are a pleasant way to get out of the southwestern heat. On summer days when it’s close to 100 degrees above ground, the Carlsbad website warns you to bring a sweatshirt if you tour the caverns since it can get very chilly. Carlsbad Caverns…