The Southwest desert holds some of the most historic and geologically significant artifacts within the continental united states and, quite possibly, the world. It is axiomatic that these precious and delicate lands need to be protected and respected for not only the cultural heritage that they preserve, but for the continuing environmental study so we can continue to develop our knowledge base of how our planet was created and what directions we might be heading toward in the future.

Exploration without documentation is merely just being a visitor so developing maps, scientific study, and photography are all very important within their own respects to continue to the pursuit of research.

Black Abyss Cave is not exception with many regards that include protecting the mere location of the cave.  Continuing research and preservation is going on within this and other caves, so we will do our part to protect the location of this cave.

The cave appears to be similar to the make up of the other caves in the area in that they are large collapses within a breccia pipe and the dissolution of  gypsum and other salts gave way to the interior collapse except for the insoluble walls and ceiling that are a bit more clastic in nature.

The entrance room has a massive breakdown pile similar to Cueva Cheve in Mexico and  slopes down 300 plus feet to the bottom.  The ceiling and walls appeared to be 50-60ft to the ceiling and over 100ft in width.   We had a map of the cave but this map was from the 1960s and after leaving the cave, we believe that there is a lot more than 1000ft of passage in this cave.

Once we got past the room we went through a series of tiered down climbs until we got to a platform room that appeared the ring around the main collapse. 

The cave continued down for a few hundred feet and ended in tight breakdown piles.  There were many other leads to push and we pursed some of these leads that ended. There appears to be a lot of different directions to take and a survey appears to be on going inside of the cave from the trail tape but our records indicated that there has not been a survey in this cave.

We headed for the exit and worked our way over the massive breakdown pile to exit the cave.  On our way out we checked out a side room that was really hot inside but only found rat scat in the room. 

The area appears to be a region of collapses and I think it will be hard pressed to find borehole or formation rooms inside of these caves. This cave did have some gypsum evaporite formations and frost work on the walls but that was about it.

I will love to help with the survey of this cave as this is a historic and significant piece of history. Access is restricted to enter this cave and the cave itself has its element of technicality so if you are interested in assisting with on going research or to learn more about these caves, please reach out to your local grotto.