If you’re a spelunker to any degree, you’ve undoubtedly heard of and most likely experienced the jaw-dropping Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. But the state is filled with lesser known but still exciting caves as well. Here’s why you should explore Fort Stanton Cave, the second-longest cave in the state, and learn about its secret Snowy River Passage:
Fort Stanton–Snowy River National Conservation Area was established in 2009.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr It is located at an elevation of about 6,300 feet above sea level in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Blanca Mountains of south central New Mexico. The area includes beautiful mesas, rolling hills, streams, and, to the delight of many, caves!
Within the conservation area is Fort Stanton Cave. At 31 miles long, it is the second longest cave in New Mexico.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook The Bureau of Land Management says it is is now the 14th longest in the U.S. and 62nd longest in the world.
It is also the largest cave managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook The cave continues to be mapped and explored, although at present, it is less than half of its known length.
The cave is only open for exploration between April 15 and Nov. 1.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook It’s closed in the winter to protect the bats hibernating inside. Explorers will need a permit and their own caving equipment, as it is considered an undeveloped “wild” cave.
Fort Stanton Cave contains aragonite, selenite needles, helictites, and various gypsum formations, but is best known for its rare velvet formations.
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook A permit application rules can be found from the Roswell Field Office at 2909 W. 2nd St. or by calling (575)354-0099.
The views within the cave are natural and left very uncommercialized, which holds great appeal to true adventurers.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr Its emerging discoveries and continued exploration are what makes it so appealing to many.
The most significant and exciting find is Snowy River Cave inside.
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr The name comes from a bright white crystal calcite formation that runs along the floor of the passage.
At 11 miles, Snowy River is the world’s longest calcite formation.
Bureau of Land Management Snowy River continues to flow on and off, which limits exploration times. This part of the cave is currently not available to the public due to ongoing scientific studies.
What caves have you visited in New Mexico, and which ones do you consider the most visit worthy? Any photos to share of your underground experiences here If you are still yearning for another cave experience after experiencing the amazing labyrinth of Fort Stanton Cave, consider a trip inside New Mexico’s frozen cave that is positively surreal!
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
It is located at an elevation of about 6,300 feet above sea level in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Blanca Mountains of south central New Mexico. The area includes beautiful mesas, rolling hills, streams, and, to the delight of many, caves!
Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico/Facebook
The Bureau of Land Management says it is is now the 14th longest in the U.S. and 62nd longest in the world.
The cave continues to be mapped and explored, although at present, it is less than half of its known length.
It’s closed in the winter to protect the bats hibernating inside. Explorers will need a permit and their own caving equipment, as it is considered an undeveloped “wild” cave.
A permit application rules can be found from the Roswell Field Office at 2909 W. 2nd St. or by calling (575)354-0099.
Its emerging discoveries and continued exploration are what makes it so appealing to many.
The name comes from a bright white crystal calcite formation that runs along the floor of the passage.
Bureau of Land Management
Snowy River continues to flow on and off, which limits exploration times. This part of the cave is currently not available to the public due to ongoing scientific studies.
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