Lechuguilla Cave is, as of 2006, the fifth longest cave (120 miles (193 km)) known to exist in the world, and the deepest in the continental United States (489 metres (1,604 ft)), but it is most famous for its unusual geology, rare formations, and pristine condition.
It is located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Access to the cave is limited to approved scientific researchers, survey and exploration teams, and National Park Service management-related trips.
Since 1986, explorers have mapped 118 miles (190 km) of passages and have pushed the depth of the cave to 1,604 feet (489 m), ranking Lechuguilla as the 5th longest cave in the world (4th longest in the United States) and the deepest limestone cave in the country. Cavers, drawn by the caves' pristine condition and rare beauty, come from around the world to explore and map its passages and geology.
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