Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave

Along the Continental Divide, there is no shortage of wonders and geological oddities. Here in New Mexico, home to many amazing geological treasures, you will find the Bandera Volcano and Ice Caves. The people of the area refer to it as The Land of Fire and Ice, as the juxtaposition of the two opposing elements is evident in this volcanic field.

To walk up to the caldera, or volcanic crater, requires an easy, but lengthy hike where you will follow a gravelly trail lined with ponderosa and pinon pines, juniper, and fir trees, You might catch a glimpse of the wildlife of the area: lizards, squirrels, bull snakes, or even the occasional black bear or mountain lion. The hike concludes with a view of Bandera Crater, the largest volcano in the region. The volcano is dormant today, with the peak of its activity occurring around 10,000 years ago. The views of the crater offered on this hike showcase the immense size (nearly 800 feet deep and 1400 feet wide) of the cinder cone.

At the opposite edge of the attraction from the Bandera Crater, lies the fabled Ice Cave. A self guided tour of the area informs you of the many different geological features of this location. The walk from the volcano to the ice caves is littered with Anasazi ruins, sinkholes, and plenty of lava rock. The Ice Cave itself is a beautiful naturally occurring anomaly. The temperature of the cave never rises above 31℉. Because of this chilly temperature, the cave floor is thick with approximately 20 feet of ice, parts of which are estimated to be 3,400 years old. There is a steep flight of stairs that leads to a lookout of the Ice Cave, where you can stop to examine the vivid green Arctic algae that grows within the ice.

This attraction is a truly unique and beautiful place to spend a day exploring. From the mesmerizing ice of the ancient cave to the vertiginous views of Bandera Crater, you won’t have to look hard to find something amazing.