In the mood for a hike? If you’re looking for a mountain trail with a creek, cave, and wildflowers, then you will absolutely love embarking on the Cave Creek Trail in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Tucked away in the vast Pecos Wilderness, Cave Creek Trail is a lovely five-mile mountain hike that is perfect for a summer or fall day trip.
Angela Coletta/AllTrails AllTrails rates this hike as moderately difficult since it does have some areas with a steep elevation gain.
The hike begins near the Panchuela Campground, approximately an hour’s drive north of Pecos—or nearly 1.5 hours from Santa Fe.
Larry Plumlee/Google You’ll start your journey at the Panchuela Trailhead right by the parking lot and picnic area.
Keep an eye out for the sign that will point you in the right direction and start your hike.
Victor Navarrete/Google The trail starts off with a sharp incline but this eventually mellows into a slow elevation gain. If you’re not used to hiking in the mountains, take your time!
Most of the trail follows the little creeks and the path is easy to follow, with a couple areas to cross the water.
Karen Tankersley/AllTrails Just keep in mind that if you go early in the season, the trail may not be entirely cleared and the flow in the creeks may be a little strong.
Approximately 2.5 miles in, you’ll encounter a fork in the creek and the caves.
Kevin Mogan/Google Keep an eye out! Small cairns mark the caves, otherwise, they can be easy to miss since they blend in with the foliage.
You can opt to view the caves from a distance or, if you a flashlight or headlamp, you can explore them.
Diana Newkirk/AllTrails The caves aren’t particularly deep but the terrain is uneven and can be filled with water early in the season. From here, you can opt to continue following the trail for a longer hike or head back in the same direction you came.
The Cave Creek Trail is located in the Pecos Wilderness, approximately 20 miles north of Pecos via State Road 63.
Google Maps
There is a $2 per day parking fee but backcountry permits are not required. Dogs are permitted on the trail but be aware they must be kept on a leash. For additional details, visit the AllTrails or Forest Service website.
Angela Coletta/AllTrails
AllTrails rates this hike as moderately difficult since it does have some areas with a steep elevation gain.
Larry Plumlee/Google
You’ll start your journey at the Panchuela Trailhead right by the parking lot and picnic area.
Victor Navarrete/Google
The trail starts off with a sharp incline but this eventually mellows into a slow elevation gain. If you’re not used to hiking in the mountains, take your time!
Karen Tankersley/AllTrails
Just keep in mind that if you go early in the season, the trail may not be entirely cleared and the flow in the creeks may be a little strong.
Kevin Mogan/Google
Keep an eye out! Small cairns mark the caves, otherwise, they can be easy to miss since they blend in with the foliage.
Diana Newkirk/AllTrails
The caves aren’t particularly deep but the terrain is uneven and can be filled with water early in the season. From here, you can opt to continue following the trail for a longer hike or head back in the same direction you came.
Google Maps
Website: U.S. Forest Service Website: AllTrails Trailhead location: Google Maps Phone: 505-438-5300
Looking for another super cool cave to check out in a different part of the state? The lava tube caves at El Malpais National Monument near Grants are a fascinating spot to explore! Read more in The Underground Caves In New Mexico That Make You Feel Like You’ve Been Transported To A Different World.
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Address: Highway 63, Tererro, NM 87573, USA
