The Three Deepest Caves In The U.S. Will Boggle Your Mind
With so much to explore above ground, caves tend to be the unsung heroes of America’s natural landscape. Yet these otherworldly landmarks are every bit as remarkable and breathtaking. For proof of this, look no further than the three deepest caves in the entire U.S. Each offers a unique insight into the natural world and will make you feel as though you’ve arrived to a different planet:


The largest cave in the U.S. is technically a lava tube that can be found in Hawaii on the slope of Kilauea. A staggering 40 miles long, the cave measures at 3,613 feet and is estimated to be about 500 years old. The unique floor was formed by the crust of a former lake lava that eventually drained from beneath.
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Situated in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana, Tears of the Turtle Cave holds the title for the largest limestone cave in the United States. The cave is a mind-boggling 1629 feet deep and stretches for just over 1 mile. The entrance to this massive cave was discovered in 2006 and officials are still exploring this mysterious landmark. Those who have worked to gather data report that the cave is difficult to explore, with its temperature of 39 degrees and narrow passageways.
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In addition to being the second-largest cave in the Continental U.S., Lechuguilla is known for housing the largest collection of gypsum stalactites in the entire world. This crystal wonderland is largely inaccessible to the public and reserved for survey and exploration teams. The cave is situated 1,604 feet deep and was not fully discovered until 1986, before which it was considered a small and insignificant cave within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. For more information about this fascinating area, click here.
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