El Malpais National Monument - Part 1 | New Mexico

[@NickandRachel]

That looked really fun! I need to go caving one day. Bet you it sucked carrying all your camera gear in there lol Awesome video looking forward to part two!

[@AmericasParks]

Wasn't too bad as all I has was my little point-and-shoot. Not much more would have fit! Have a blessed weekend!

[@markakira8988]

I appreciate the straightforward unpretentiousness of this series (Dollar Tree shirt...shopping at Walmart...or peanut butter sandwiches in other videos). I've been on trips where people in our group just wanted a few snapshots for their Instagram and just hang out in the lodge restaurant and be on cell phone all day, never really experiencing the park itself. // LOL Batman show effect reference @1:28.

[@AmericasParks]

And I appreciate the thoughtfulness in generating that remark! Keeping it real!

[@katkg7129]

What an incredible adventure. Looking forward to part 2.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! Hope to get it out next week...

[@OurNationalAdventure]

Wow!!!!! Oh my gosh!!!! I'm not a cave person, my husband yes, but after mammouth caves, getting stuck deep beneath the earth is not a favorite for me. Your daughters so brave! Tight! Rough is right...not knowing if you can get through and it's dark with "spikes"....oh no turtle crawl for me... I'd turn around lol. Great video! My hearts pounding!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

And a huge congratulations on hitting 10K!!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate the great comment - enjoyed reading that one! Crazy adventure, but at the time it strangely didn't seem so bad.

[@AmericasParks]

@@OurNationalAdventure It's been a good (at times challenging) journey, but thankful for the opportunities with my family and the KZbin friends I have made along the way.

[@glennaddison952]

Really fun to watch! However, don't think you'd catch me in that cave.

[@AmericasParks]

lol! It was a blast! More work than I expected.

[@waterfallmadman]

I think your daughter really enjoyed watching you try to squeeze through those tight spots. Looked really fun.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, it must had been pretty comical for her. Wasn't sure what I'd expect when I viewed the footage of myself. Pretty much the typical humiliation that I assumed. Still, really had a fun time working through that cave. Have a super weekend!

[@buffett2010]

Wow my friend!! You guys are an adventurous pair. Absolutely impressive!! 👍👍👍👍

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, buddy! Had a blast working through that cave. One of those days we'll never forget. Have a super weekend!

[@BluemoonTraveler]

Amazing video my dear friend! Thanks for your upload. Your footage is so great. Big Like 63. Have a wonderful week.👍👍

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, my friend! Hope you have a fantastic week!

[@HaleyFamily]

Wow that is cool they let you go spelunking. Most of the cave tours we have done is following a well defined route with guide. Cool video thanks for sharing.

[@AmericasParks]

I hear you, kind of what I have primarily experienced as well. This one was unique - smaller cave and virtually no other visitors. Since it was impossible to get lost in the cave they just provided some warnings and let you go. My kind of stuff! :)

[@potatothorn]

9:49 BAT flies by behind you!! (maybe a moth i dunno) this is really intense, making me feel very claustrophobic/ way too real viewed on a big screen hahaha !! extra scary that you end it still in the cave/ trapped/ hahha... joke wasnt too terrible... Excellent Video!

[@AmericasParks]

LOL! You might be the only guy that liked the joke! :) Had to look at the 9:49 mark - never noticed that in the editing. Weird! Yeah, really, really tight, but strangely I didn't feel too uncomfortable. Just had to keep control of the mind from going to bad places...

[@potatothorn]

@@AmericasParks i dunno how you do it!! and yeah haha it was decent... put the squirrel on the phone hahaha

[@christinestange4813]

Glad I saw the cave through your lens .....I wouldn't have the nerve to do it myself 😌

[@AmericasParks]

Happy to show you the experience! Any tighter or more people in there and it would have been a no-go for me as well!

[@JavierFernandez01]

Wow. Gotta remember this place.

[@AmericasParks]

Right on, Javier! Probably my most enjoyable activity on the New Mexico trip.

[@JavierFernandez01]

@@AmericasParks I've done a couple easy caves with my son in California. That looks like a real spelunking trip.

[@pa_hyker7715]

If you enjoyed that, you’re going to love Lava Beds National Monument in California. We stuck with the walk through tubes. Great video. Too tight for my taste though, I’ll stay above ground.

[@AmericasParks]

Yes, we went to Lava Beds back in 2017. I really enjoyed it there, but was unprepared with the proper equipment and very limited on time. Would love to go back! Thankfully this cave was rather short, but any tighter and I simply would not have fit. Seems like you guys have really enjoyed some great spots of our country. Nice to hear your thoughts, recommendations and the places you've been!

[@pa_hyker7715]

What’s great about your vlog is that it’s informative. I’ve gotten burned twice in California because I didn’t look ahead, I needed reservations. Unfortunately our trips have been put on hold because of a rotten medical diagnosis back in August for me. I’ll have to look for your Lava Beds video. Cheers!

[@AmericasParks]

@@pa_hyker7715 You bet and all the best for your healing, my friend! Stay strong!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, Well, Kayla is up for any adventure including spelunking! Excellent cave video. These are small caves, and I think with the sharp rocks I would prefer to watch you do it. There is a girl that looks like Kayla already inside here (funny!) Good job on getting all the equipment, but i think the next time some leather work gloves might be nice. THANK YOU FOR SHARING, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Still can't believe we did this one. Really tight confines. Funny time!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

So yeah, your title really made me NOT want to watch this as YES I get claustrophobic. Oh my goodness - I need my inhaler just watching this on my iPad. This adventure I do not want to join you on! 😂😂😂 PS Kayla - you are amazing!

[@AmericasParks]

hahah! Oh, Heather, one of your classic video reviews of this cave would have been fantastic! :)

[@kaylasmith1515]

Those tight squeezes! I can’t believe we made it through!

[@AmericasParks]

Still hard to believe watching this video that it wasn't more fearful at the time!

[@andrewvilla1531]

I almost could not finish watching this as I was feeling claustrophobic! Whew!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Andrew, hope all is well my friend! Sorry for the uncomfortable feeling I imposed on you! When we were in the cave it didn't appear as scary. Kind of didn't want to think about it too much! lol! Thanks for the comment!

[@jameshouse1268]

Now that was an adventure!! I was hanging on every crawl with you...just anticipating what would come next. Thanks for sharing such a great time!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey, thanks so much, James! Appreciate your thoughts on the videos! Enjoy the weekend...

[@dawnmarsh4161]

Wow full of adventure! You guys are crazy!!

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Not built for caving, but really had a fun time! Enjoy your weekend, Dawn!

[@KrizAkoni]

That was really cool! 😎😎

[@AmericasParks]

Hey buddy, nice to hear from you! Thanks and hope all is well!

[@juliesmith444]

That looks exciting. Not sure if I would be agile enough for that. I think I would do it though! Great footage.

[@AmericasParks]

I think you would have enjoyed it!

[@NationalParksExplorers]

I had to watch until the end! Was worried you would not make it out!! Go Kayla! You are awesome - hanging around with that guy -

[@AmericasParks]

She sure is! :) I *think she enjoys it.

[@NationalParksExplorers]

@@AmericasParks It is time for you to take Kayla to City of Rocks National Reserve in Idaho! Rock Climbing on the cheap and EXTREMELY safe! Climbed first and only time when I was 65 years old. Felt very safe --- and there was only Bob and I doing it.

[@AmericasParks]

@@NationalParksExplorers Nice! Yes, that one (and area) is on the list. It's a pocket in the US I have barely visited. Thank you!

[@scifijunky1979]

That is such an awesome experience you get to share with your daughter Kayla. If you’re ever back in New Mexico, I would recommend southern New Mexico at the Anthony Gap gap cave. There are several videos on KZbin. It’s not popular, and you don’t have to pay for admission I don’t think, but definitely worth exploring. One catch though, once you get into the entrance down a hole, you also need to crawl/worm your way through a very narrow passageway approximately between 50-80ft which leads into a chamber where you can stand up and explore. I hear there are two different chambers. I went to the cave there once but it was too late and dark to go in, since it took my friend and I an hour or so to find the cave. The Anthony gap trail can be found in the All Trails app.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey John, thanks for encouragement and tip! We really had a great time in NM. Made a note of your recommendation. Appreciate it!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

Yeah things looked really tight in that cave but you guys pulled through. I would probably feel a little claustrophobic myself but I'm glad I was able to see it through your camera. Thanks for sharing Randy.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey Eric, hope all is well! Thankful there were not too many folks in the cave. That would have me feel very trapped. Fun, but I am not built for that sport!

[@ElementaryExplorers]

Do I see 10k?!?! So excited for you! You deserve it! Love following along on all of your adventures. These New Mexico videos have been fun to watch. We will be hitting that state again this winter... but we won’t be crawling through the caves 😆.

[@AmericasParks]

Come on, the kids would love it! Can't be any worse than the boiling river!! :) Thanks so much for the kind words! Hope the family has a super week!

[@ElementaryExplorers]

Americas Parks And yours as well! Any chance you’ll be coming to Alaska this summer?

[@AmericasParks]

@@ElementaryExplorers I wish! Still looking forward to that one! Hope you guys have a great time there - so special. Leaning toward Hawaii in 2021 to celebrate 25 years anniversary.

[@SergeCousineau]

Still having fun whit your daughter that’s fun ! It’s nice to be young ! We wouldn’t go there for sure ! 😳 ATB Hélène et Serge 💑 👍😉🏔🎥

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah fun, but this one did push my limits! Any tighter or longer and I would have reached my full potential. Perfect just the way it was! Have a super weekend!

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

Its called Spelunking, and its much more fun in the Hudson valley where the caves are slippery limestone and often dripping wet. Experienced cavers wear carhart coveralls. Great Video though. What were you using as a photo light ??

[@AmericasParks]

Honored you would dare call my experience spelunking! With my technique and attire I feared using the term. lol! We were just using our headlamps. Thanks for the comment.

[@jymnmeier3527]

So great. Your perseverance was most impressive :) I loved the joke by the way. I shared it with my family and the were cracking up. Can't wait for the next video and as always much love to you all

[@AmericasParks]

God bless you and your family, Jymn! Thanks for the kindness!

[@laoxi4844]

Really nice and interesting place!

[@AmericasParks]

Such a fun day! Thanks for watching!

[@XavierLeong]

I am way too claustrophobic to try that! But looks like an awesome time, thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

Hey, thanks so much for joining us! Yeah, this one was a bit on the crazy side due to the very narrow passageway. Have a super week!

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

This was absolutely awesome haven't been caving for a long ty for taking us along enjoyed this tight quarters 🤣sledgehammered that like button

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, pretty clueless in that cave and not built too well for the activity, but a great time!

[@davidpiersall1727]

Great video! Just wondering Randy seeing how your always up for an adventure if you have ever bungee jumped? I think I'm about 30 lbs away from squeezing thru those cave passageways.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey David, actually I have not. Looks fun, but really no interest in the activity. I'm 230 - any tighter on those passage ways and I would have had to turn around. Enjoy your weekend!

[@RobertLWard]

The New Mexico clips have arrived! What a great( abit painful) start to the trip. By the way...really like the Thumbnail on this one.Cant wait to see more from this trip. Im hoping to maybe make this area as my fall 2020 trip depending on how cold the area gets then but it looks good!

[@AmericasParks]

Took a lot of patience to hold on to these unedited clips for so long! This was (half of) day #1. About 5 of the parks were all an hour apart. Makes it nice to set up a base and do day trips.

[@WithinHikingDistance]

That was a special experience with Kayla and kudos to both for reaching the end. How long did it take you? It must have been easier for Kayla than for a big man like you Randy. Love that you are always up for a challenge and a good sport. Nice job getting the knee protections before you got in! Definitely great memories made together.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much! The first half only took about 5 minutes, the second half was probably more like a 30 minutes to get to the end. Hope the family is doing well!

[@WithinHikingDistance]

@@AmericasParks - That not long. When we go back to NM, we will have to do it, our son would have fun. We are just back from an Oregon Coast roadtrip - always a good time when we go there :) Hope you and your family are well too!

[@corinna7792]

I spy with my lil eye a minion in the cave 🤗 Awesome video

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Thanks for the nice comment, Corinna!

[@coljae156]

Congrats on 10,000 subscribers!! Apparently John's back has more influence than expected! ;) #exclusion

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, bro! As I mentioned in the FB post - it carried more weight than I expected! Yes, #exclusion - you listened well this morning!

[@AmericasParks]

...and let's also give credit where it is due - what about Amatol and the AC Speedway? I'd say they played a big factor!

[@DestinationEarth]

Part of me would love this and the other part is getting stressed just thinking about it! I'm good with tight spaces until my head gets involved. No room around my head is a no go!

[@AmericasParks]

Yes, totally agree. Head issues in both ways - no space around the head and overthinking the situation where you find yourself. I told my wife, what saved me was the fact that the cave was not crowded with other people. I might have freaked out if I felt trapped and confined in a situation like that!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

One thing for certain, if you got lost, they would easily find you lol. I have done cave crawling before and found it very claustrophobic but definitely a way to test myself. Well done to you both because man, that looked real small in places and I know you were working real hard but I expected it to be super cold down there. Owtch and you said my jokes were bad lol! Great job to you both, cheers Alan

[@AmericasParks]

hahah! Yeah, with that joke I think I owe you an apology! :) Thanks, my friend!

[@ASHA-jk2pf]

That Looks SO FUN!💚😻🙌 ...But Claustrophobic!😱🫣

[@AmericasParks]

It was a blast! Thanks for watching!

[@albertopa58]

God bless you Randy. I'm 5'-10 but muscular. Those spaces looked really tight and you're what 6'-2"? Was it cool or warm inside.

[@AmericasParks]

yeah, 6'4", 230 pounds. Any tighter and it would have been a no-go! Thanks for watching and have a blessed weekend, my friend!

[@reneeh2050]

Wow! How cool! I would love to go caving there. I’ve done the Wild Caving Tour at Wind Cave & loved it. Also did the Balconies Cave Hike at Pinnacles (not much crawling involved with that though). Is the trail through the cave well marked?

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, this was a special place! Thankfully it was well-marked and basically the same way in and out. Even a guy like me couldn't get lost! lol! Definitely the most confined cave I've ever explored.

[@Chillaxing113]

😯😯 Good for y'all! Well done! You've got bragging rights now. Uh uh, nope not me. I'd start doubting myself about going the right way. How long did it take and how long was the cave?

[@AmericasParks]

Still can't believe we did that one, Alice! Thought for sure I'd get claustrophobic! From what I can recall, Id say we did the whole cave in about 60-90 minutes.

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

love hearing about the caving! New subbie

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! Have a super weekend!

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

Great video! Seemed like you had the cave to yourselves is that typical?

[@AmericasParks]

Not sure, but since this is one of those relatively unknown national sites, the visitors are slim. Thankfully for us as many would not have fit in that cave!

[@osu895]

I guess they really put reflectors all along the cave route, that is kind of depressing. To finish it off, they just need to install hand railings, a snack bar and maybe install wifii.

[@AmericasParks]

It's a cave for kids and beginners John. Everybody's got to start somewhere... not the intense stuff I suppose your're used to.

[@khaimrant]

Are there snakes in the cave?

[@AmericasParks]

Not totally sure, but didn't see any ourselves.

[@thefactualconservative9922]

If Virgil appears to you in a cave go back to the entrance immediately.

[@AmericasParks]

Ha! I'm glad no one appeared to me in those tight confines. No doubt you'd feel really trapped and claustrophobic!

[@NationalParksExplorers]

Are you a member of parkstamps.org ? You must join - where all the national parks geeks hang out!!

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Betty, never heard of this one - thank you! Hope all is well with you folks! Any trips planned for this upcoming summer?

[@NationalParksExplorers]

@@AmericasParks Please check it out! I should have mentioned it a long time ago to you. We have only 2 more of the 419 National Park Units left! We have uploaded all of our stamps there (you can do it as a family), it keeps track of when and where you have been as you record them and (best of all) you win recognition awards as you go along. You can also learn about how to visit some of the parks and where to find the stamp locations. Make new friends! I think there are over 6,000 members and it is a VERY active community.

[@NationalParksExplorers]

@@AmericasParks We finish all US parks in January (having a grand event with Subaru in the Everglades then - they have written an article about our park adventures and will be with us as we finish the final park unit). Planning a 2 month trip in April and May (2 months) to the National Parks and Unesco sights of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Slovenia, Kosovo and Bulgaria. Also, will probably start visiting US National Wildlife Reserves birding --- following the birds.

[@AmericasParks]

@@NationalParksExplorers Congratulations and sounds like a wonderful line-up!

[@Viajando6301]

I can't just the thought of an asthma attack or a heart attack there Hell no

[@AmericasParks]

I really think it was one of those places that looked worse in the video! I too can't believe I didn't feel claustrophobic in those tight confines. Add a few people and the inability to turn around and it would have been a different story. :) Thanks for watching, Erika!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

I’m with you Erika! 🙄

[@CoryTheRaven]

Nope nope nope! It would be fun to go in as far as you can without having to squeeze my 6'4" frame through those holes. But otherwise, nope!

[@AmericasParks]

I'm 6'4" too - you would have been just fine! lol! It was a lot of work, but a pretty cool adventure. Have a super weekend, my friend!

[@CoryTheRaven]

@@AmericasParks true. And you are buff, which I am definitely not. Maybe I could make it after all :)

[@kobe0007]

Bet you wish you wore long sleeves :P

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah -always living and learning! Some elbow pads would have been helpful. The key was the knee pads. This was a time I also wish I was about two feet shorter and 100 pounds lighter. :)

[@beverlystewart5518]

Claustrophobia and torn ragged skin .......are we having fun yet ?

[@AmericasParks]

haha! When I watched this video, still can't believe we didn't experience any claustrophobia. It was indeed crazy, but yeah, a pretty good time! :) Have a blessed weekend, Beverly!

[@normiewoo787]

Boo. lol

[@AmericasParks]

haha! Can't believe I didn't get claustrophobia in there.