Bats, Caverns, and Junior Rangers

(Originally posted by Sandra on Facebook on August 7, 2026)

August 2nd

With limited groceries, we continued our journey toward Carlsbad, NM.

We arrived mid afternoon at another not so impressive campground. We got set, grabbed a quick dinner, and then enjoyed an hour at the Carlsbad Swimming Pool.

We ran back by the trailer to take quick showers before heading into Carlsbad Caverns National Park for the evening bat flight program. We spotted a herd of bighorn sheep in the canyon before heading up the mountain. The animal spotting was one thing Emery was looking forward to but she is most excited for the bat flight. The girls really enjoyed the Rangers talk about the history of the caverns and the many bat facts and myths.

The thousands of bats flying out of the cave was truly amazing. Everyone enjoyed a different aspect. Tom and I agreed that the swirling of the exit flight created an amazing fluttering sound, a low hum. Lillian enjoyed watching them trail out of sight together. Emery most enjoyed learning the facts and watching them leave the cave. We returned late to the trailer, and had a quick snack before we headed to bed.

The next morning we drove back into the park. About two miles from the visitor center we realized our back pack with our jackets was still in the trailer. Everyone got new Carlsbad jackets.

First stop at the visitor center was to pick up the Junior Ranger booklet. Each of them had to complete the number of pages of their age before they could be sworn in.

Next stop was the Cavern Tour. The girls walked into the cave a little anxious, but they held our hands and continued on bravely. Winding our way to the floor of the cavern we stop to enjoy the sights and talk with them about how they formed. It’s a big walk into the cavern and we were not allowed to take any food. By the time we reached the bottom, the girls were starving. Our plan was to stop at the snack area to refuel and continue through the Big Room. Without any prior warning up top, the snack area in the cavern was closed. At this point the girls were a no go! So we took the Elevator 800 feet to the surface.

Tom and the girls walking the switchback trail down into the Natural Entrance of Carlsbad Caverns — Holding hands down the switchbacks into the Natural Entrance

We grabbed our lunch out of the car and assisted Emery and Lily with their Junior Ranger booklets. They proudly answered the Rangers’ questions and took the oath to do their part to protect the National Parks. They stamped their books and purchased some adorable bat stuffies.

A Junior Ranger vest hanging in the Airstream, with the wooden Carlsbad Caverns Junior Ranger badge and a row of park buttons — The Carlsbad Caverns badge joins the collection

We then returned to the campsite, loaded up and went to Santa Fe where we spent two nights. We got to the site, cooked dinner and observed a lovely sunset.

We were all ready for a down day, so Tuesday 8/04, we had a leisurely breakfast and hung out at the campground where the girls excitedly “Flamingoed” other Airstreams in the park. We were really excited that two of them came by to visit.

We went to The Plaza for dinner that evening and did a little shopping. One of the store owners complimented about how well behaved and polite they were.

Lillian and Emery standing at the metal sculptures at Santa Fe Skies, watching the sun go down over the high desert — Sunset at Santa Fe Skies

We watched another lovely sunset at Santa Fe Skies and got the girls in bed at a reasonable time.

We marked the halfway point of our journey.