Junction Cave, Cibola County, New Mexico
September 2015
Gate Type: BASIC
Our first lava tube project was this gate on an easily-accessible cave open to visitors during parts of the year. However, during other parts of the year it was home to the largest colony of western big-eared bats in all of El Malpais National Monument. We learned a lot about the differences between working in limestone caves and lava tubes on that one! This project turned out beautifully, thanks to lots of support from the Monument staff and local cavers. Check it out the next time you are in the area! All photos © Jim Kennedy.