Lechuguilla Cave
| Lechuguilla Cave | |
|---|---|
Largest known gypsum stalactites, Chandelier Ballroom (human at bottom gives scale) | |
| Location | Eddy County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Nearest city | Carlsbad |
| Coordinates | 32°11′26″N 104°30′11″W / 32.19056°N 104.50306°W |
| Length | 138.3 mi (222.6 km) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
At 150.4 miles (242.0 km), Lechuguilla Cave is the eighth-longest explored cave in the world and the second deepest (1,604 feet or 489 meters) in the continental United States. It is most famous for its unusual geology, rare formations, and pristine condition.
The cave is named for the canyon through which it is entered, which is named for Agave lechuguilla, a species of plant found there. Lechuguilla is in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico, United States. Access to the cave is limited to approved scientific researchers, survey and exploration teams, and National Park Service management-related trips.