The Guide Right kid’s first experience with the Carlsbad Caverns was the descent down the steep grade of the Natural Entrance. They did not take a tour but "hoofed it" on our own which is an option. It is a long physically exerting walk, even downhill and back up to the opening of the caverns; but was well worth it and helps to orient oneself to the caverns.  If the kid’s has taking the elevator down, they wouldn’t get a real sense of deep the caverns are and the effort taken to descend down the many tunnels to reach them.