We came to Carlsbad with permits for Lake Cave and Corkscrew Cave in nearby Slaughter Canyon, and had plans to visit Parks Ranch Cave as well. I’d rate it as an excellent beginner cave.

Firstly, it is very horizontal, and it isn’t easy to get lost if you follow the map. It consists mostly of linear meandering steam channels, and though there are several routes, they don’t have complex, three-dimensional maze structures like some nearby caves. There are a few climb downs, and if you take the lower route you will find one of the more dramatic ones (still small). There are also a lot of awkward points, where you will have to maneuver past weirdly incised channels, or stoop your head.

There is a fair amount of crawling within this cave, which usually occurs at flat, low areas in the cave, like past the climb down dome in the B survey. You WILL WANT KNEEPADS! Though a lot of the ground is just a mix of soil and guano, there are sections with rough pebbles and cobbles lining the entire floor. There are also some creepy-crawlies, though if you’re gonna go caving you shouldn’t be bothered by them (and this cave doesn’t have many). The worst thing I’ve seen is one cellar spider, and commonly cave crickets and the occasional harvestman.

Finally, something many people don’t talk about, but caves are water reservoirs, and they trap water. This cave is HUMID. There are some muddy sections near the middle/east section of the cave and some lakes. This isn’t crystal-clear, fresh spring water. This is CHOCOLATE MILK WATER. Visibility of zero. If you’re not okay with that, then stay near the western parts of the cave.

Also, don’t go to the Zoo room. It’s not worth it. Or the rotunda, either, unless you’re a real cavey-caver. The guarded entrance is full of tumbleweeds and has some gnarly, tight canyons and horrible crawling by the time you reach the river section.

Have fun caving!