Uncover the Mysterious Underground World Hiding in New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest

Full disclosure, I find caves equally fascinating and terrifying. Because of my innate curiosity, I will explore these dark crevices just to discover what unknown critters lie beneath. On the other hand, my overactive imagination creates stories of creepy, cave-dwelling cryptids that literally live rent-free in my head. Of course, it’s easier to explore commercial caves like the ones at Carlsbad National Park, but untouched caves like the ones in the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico require a little more bravery on my part. 

If you’re not afraid to discover the unknown, the unfamiliar, or the downright mysterious things found inside these underground worlds, then I’ve got the perfect adventure for you. Plan a trip to explore the hidden cave along the Cave of the Winds via Quemazon Trail in the Santa Fe National Forest. On this adventure, you’ll pass open meadows with sweeping views, and there will be lots of rock scrambling on the way. You’ll be rewarded with a mysterious underground attraction in New Mexico that will leave you with lasting memories.

Amateur spelunkers and outdoor adventurers, bring your headlight for this cave hike in New Mexico. You can find the Quemazon Trail just a short drive west of downtown Los Alamos, just off Trinity Drive. The small parking lot has room for several cars, but you shouldn’t have issues finding a spot.

The two-mile out-and-back trek is wonderful no matter the time of year, but if you’re visiting during the warmer months, be sure to wear comfy clothing and bring lots of water with you. Plus, don’t forget to wear sturdy boots as you’ll need to scramble and climb down rocky areas to the cave. This hike is great for older kids, but keep in mind there are some steep sections along the way.  

From the parking lot, expect a steady descent up the mesa as you hike to the rim of Los Alamos Canyon. With an elevation gain of about 500 feet, hikers enjoy the switchbacks as well as the views from the trail. In the distance, you’ll see the city of Los Alamos, and as you climb further, be on the lookout for Pajarito Mountain and Ski Area in the distance. 

This trek is short, but it’s incredibly scenic, so you’ll want to carve out extra time to soak up the views. After about a mile of hiking, the trail levels out. Continue past the nature trail junction and look for the spur trail marked with rock cairns that leads to Cave of the Winds. 

This is where the hike gets adventurous. The cave is located about 100 feet below the rim of the canyon, and it will take some rock scrambling to get to the entrance. The trek down is steep and rugged, so be sure to watch your footing as you make your way to the entrance. Once you find the opening, which is a horizontal slit in the rock face, turn on your headlight and climb inside. 

This underground cavern in New Mexico is quite dark and doesn’t have large passageways. So, if you’re claustrophobic, I would skip entering. For the brave adventurers, there will be plenty of room to navigate inside. As with any undeveloped, wild cave, you might find flying and crawling critters here. Since this is a popular spot for locals, there will be some graffiti left behind from past hikers.   

What I like about this cave is that you get to create your own adventure. Spend as much time as you desire exploring the different crevices as you wonder what mysterious features you can uncover. Homesteaders, sheep herders, and loggers once used this route to cross into Valle Grande, so who knows if they used this hidden cave as a shelter at some point. 

After you’ve explored the mysterious cavern, follow the trail back to the entrance, or for more adventure, connect to the Quemazon Nature Trail or the Satch Cowan Trail. One thing is for sure: this underground attraction in New Mexico is packed with adventure, and if you ask me, it’s one of the most underrated hikes in the Santa Fe National Forest.  

What do you think about this cave adventure in New Mexico? Have you ever hiked the trail? What is your favorite mysterious destination in the state? Share it with us on our nomination page. 

And when you’re feeling adventurous, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to create your own one-of-a-kind trip in New Mexico.