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Obama tours caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

President Barack Obama and his family are exploring the limestone caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.
The First Family arrives at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, NM (Source: CNN)
President Obama arrives in Roswell en route to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. (Source: KWES)

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Associated Press
    
CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK, N.M. (AP) - President Barack Obama and his family are exploring the limestone caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.
    
Obama is visiting the caverns Friday to draw public attention to America's national parks as the system nears its 100th birthday in August.
    
Obama, his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha rode an elevator nearly 800 feet down into a cave known as the "Big Room," where a park ranger led them on a tour.
    
Obama says it was "cool" and "spectacular."
    
The family plans to visit Yosemite National Park in California on Saturday.
    
The vacation gives Obama an opportunity to highlight his record on preserving open spaces, boost tourism at national parks and call attention to challenges facing the parks over the next 100 years.

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