Cavers explore vast new area of Lechugilla Cave

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

The Witch’s Finger at Carlsbad Cavern National Park. PHOTO COURTESY NPS.

Colorado caver leads expedition in new section of renowned New Mexico cavern

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A team of explorers lead by Colorado caver Derek Bristol have discovered an entirely new maze of passages, pits and large rooms in Lechugilla Cave, part of an extensive ave system in New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

In early May climbed more than 410 feet into a high dome in Lechuguilla Cave. Near the top, lead climber James Hunter discovered the extension of the cave and named the new area Oz.

One large room is 600 feet long, 100 to 150 feet wide, and 75 to 150 feet tall. It’s now called Munchkin Land. (more…)

Filed under: national parks, public lands | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

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