While most national park visitors no doubt focus on the landscape illuminated by the sun, going underground is an incredible experience. One of my favorite national park treks was at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, where I spent five or six hours crawling around on my belly during a "Wild Cave Tour." It was a memorable experience, one I won't soon forget.
Another great park experience for spelunkers can be found at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southeastern New Mexico. Though perhaps not as famous as Mammoth Cave, this complex contains more than 100 limestone caverns.
But it's a park better known for trees than caves that is making news today. At Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks comes word that researchers have discovered a previously unknown cave, one with several rooms that are more than 50 feet across.
Displayed in the cave are "soda straws" up to 6 feet in length, cave curtains and ribbons of multi-colored flowstone embedded with crystals. Named "Ursa Minor" after an ancient skeleton found in the cave and thought to have come from a bear, the cave also harbors a lake that could be as much as 100 feet across.
The researchers, working for the Cave Research Foundation, also report several new species.
It's long been known that Sequoia contains quite a few caves, and one of them, Crystal Cave, is open to public tours. No immediate word on whether this new cave, which will be closed to the public for the immediate future while research continues, is actually located in Sequoia or Kings Canyon, or both.
New Cave Discovered in Sequoia/Kings Canyon
Published Date
September 10, 2006
Support National Parks Traveler
National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.
EIN: 26-2378789
Support Essential Coverage of Essential PlacesA copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
Add comment
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
Your support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.
Support Our Mission
Help support us– the one source for journalism dedicated to our National Parks.
National Parks Traveler is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I agree 1000 %. It could be heavily guarded with huge limitations, under strict supervision. But to completely disallow the public to "Ever" see it, is gross mismanagement of our Nation Parkland and it's treasures to behold. Please think hard on this, as it simply is not fair.
A disgruntled tax payer.