I just started watching your channel from the beginning. I was searching for travelers who use Northwoods or Outdoors RV. I am intrigued with you guys. You are doing exactly what I want to do. Which I am working on. Thank you for videoing your adventures. I know it is not easy .
Thanks for making the Carlsbad video series....visited there just before Covid-19 hit....did the Lower Passage, and am so glad to have a video to go back to and relive that spectacular place.....
Some beautiful views! I visited Carlsbad caverns in May 2018. We didn't go on the side tours but did the main one with the big room. The elevator was down so we did the manual climb in and out of the natural entrance. It's definitely good for cardio!
Thanks a lot! While growing up I didn't see any real caves so I didn't really know spelunking is a thing, but now seeing such amazing caves like this I want to do more! - Diana
Matt may be afraid of heights, but doesn't seem as though either of you are clausterphobic.:-) Nice video, looks like fun tour. Truly fits your name of adventurous.
How deep do these caverns go? I have always thought that The Big Room was at the lowest level of the Carlsbad system! You mean that there are even deeper regions to this massive wonder? I love the way you captured the beauty beyond the general tour areas!
I think the lower cave was below The Big Room, but there are even deeper caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Lechuguilla cave is the deepest at 1604 feet deep, but unfortunately it's not accessible for general public. www.nps.gov/cave/learn/nature/lechuguilla_cave.htm
Lower Cave tour happens only at specific times and I think it's only once a day on the days it happens. So it will really depend on the schedule the order you can do them. If the tour starts at 8:30am I don't think you would have time to see the big room before that. If you are doing them on different days, the order doesn't really matter.
Hey, awesome video and very informative! I noticed that you were carrying a DSLR down the caves, and I was wondering if you had any trouble taking the camera along and what steps did you take to make the experience worth it with the camera.
We actually carried both our DSLR and mirrorless cameras down there with us at times. On each of the tours, we spoke with the rangers beforehand to make sure it would be OK - especially given the tight conditions. They were fine with it, but mainly because I was using a holster belt to carry the camera, rather than a neck strap. In particular, their concern was when we were on ladders, that the camera would swing around on a neck strap. In terms of photography, it's a tough place to photograph. It's obviously very low light, and you're confined to the paths so composing a shot can be hard. Further, in a tour, you have to keep moving and there are people around. I wrote a little more about it (including what lenses, settings I'd recommend) on our blog post, so check that out if you haven't already: www.adventurousway.com/blog/carlsbad-caverns-national-park-worlds-most-beautiful-cave
Adventurous Way Adventurous Way Thank you for the detailed reply. That answers all of my questions! And a follow up question: I am guessing tripods are a no go on ranger guided tours, even the gorilla pod? I will definitely give your blog a read and let you know if I have more questions!
Honestly, I don't remember what the rules were on tripods, but I take one. Although it may be tempting so you can slow down the shutter speed on your camera, many of the pathways are narrow and you don't have a lot of options to compose the shot. I'd recommend a fast lens, a high ISO and a steady hand. And just enjoy your experience down there! :)