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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail takes off from the quaint Ice Caves Trading Post which houses many Native American artifacts found in the area dating back 1200 years. There are actually 2 trails leaving from the Trading Post. The trail to the ice caves is relatively short and takes roughly 20 minutes round trip. You will hike down to the mouth of the cave and look in from an observation platform. The cave itself never gets about 31 degrees year round. From the Trading Post another trail takes you up to look into the Bandera volcano crater. The trail is wide and easy although once you begin going up it doesn't stop until you're at the crater lookout. It is a rewarding hike 1/2 mile each way which has incredible views into the crater, collapsed lava tubes and other cinder cones off in the distant. Although the trails are short and somewhat pricey for admission it is still a great hike for the family and why not buy some cool trinkets at the Trading Post? Trailhead: From Grants exit from I-40 to Highway 53. 53 takes you southwest from Grants through El Malpais National Monument (www.nps.gov/elma). The turnoff to Bandera Crater and the Ice Cave is 28 miles from Grants. Cost is $8 for adults and teens, $7 for children 5-12, and free for children under 5. Driving west on Highway 53 is also another national monument, El Morro (www.nps.gov/elmo). (Lat:34.99402 Lon:-108.07973) Trail Guides for Bandera Crater - Ice Caves: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Ice Caves Trading Co. - 1888-ICE-CAVE - www.iceceaves.com Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Benesh, who has posted 21 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by TL on 4/29/2005 COOL Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, Cibola County Hiking, Cibola County Trails, Cibola County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
