Mention a national park vacation, and many of us imagine a family loading up the minivan for a multiweek adventure over the summer holidays. And while summer may be a lovely time to explore many of these national treasures, there are some parks that hold another sort of promise during winter. Parks with climates that are less than ideal in summer--such as the Everglades or Death Valley--are still warm enough in winter to cure cold-weather blues. Others plagued by high-season crowds, like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, transform into sparsely populated wonderlands for outdoor activity. Here is one of Mother Nature's choicest winter hideaways--Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. (For other great national parks to visit in winter, click on the following links: California's Death Valley and Yosemite, Hawaii's Volcanoes, Arizona's Grand Canyon, Wyoming's Yellowstone, Florida's Everglades, and St. Thomas and St. John's US Virgin Islands.)

CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK: Southern New Mexico's massive limestone cave system is a fantastical labyrinth. Trails wind through exquisitely sculpted chambers full of stalagmites, stalactites and everything in between--including a bottomless pit and a giant underground room (it's as big as 14 Houston Astrodomes). Cave-roving rangers will help explain what formations you're seeing. In winter, Carlsbad's famous residents, the Mexican free-tailed bats, are south of the border, but you can still learn all about them from displays at the visitors' center. Hikers will appreciate the area's mild winter temperatures--try the family-friendly trails at nearby Living Desert State Park. For lodging, check out the towns of White's City and Carlsbad (the park itself offers none). Park entry is free. Cave entry is $6 for adults and $3 for kids ages six to 15. Strollers are not allowed in the caves, and there are age limits for some tours. Call 505-785-2232.

Daytime temperatures: 56 degrees in the cave; 50s to 60s and sunny outside.
Best bet for family fun: Eating lunch and mailing a postcard in the Underground Lunchroom, 750 feet down.

Rani M. Arbo is a frequent contributor to FAMILYFUN.

For more information on this and other national parks, click here.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.