Which cave in New Mexico is known for its pristine soda straw formations?

Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico is known for its exceptionally delicate soda straw formations. These hollow, tubular stalactites form when mineral-rich water drips from a cave ceiling and deposits a thin ring of calcite around each drop’s path.

The cave is part of Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the Guadalupe Mountains. Although it was known earlier, its modern exploration accelerated after cavers discovered passages beyond a blocked area in 1986. Lechuguilla is now one of the longest and deepest known caves in the United States.

Its formations are unusually diverse and well preserved. Alongside soda straws, explorers have documented gypsum chandeliers, gypsum hairs and beards, cave pearls, hydromagnesite balloons, helictites, sulfur deposits and other rare speleothems. Some soda straws reach about 15 feet in length.

Lechuguilla Cave is often confused with nearby Carlsbad Cavern because both are in the same national park. Carlsbad is famous for its enormous Big Room and public tours, while Lechuguilla is celebrated especially for its scientific value, pristine formations and restricted access.