Posted in New Mexico Nature March 12, 2018 by

A Trip Inside New Mexico’s Frozen Cave Is Positively Surreal

The weather may be starting to warm up around the state but did you know you can experience the chilly winter temperatures year-round in one quiet location here in New Mexico? That’s right! It’s actually a surreal sight when you consider parts of the state can easily reach triple-digit temperatures in the middle of summer.

Well, you can see one surreal sight a short drive from Grants at the Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano, also referred to as The Land of Fire and Ice.
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano/Facebook
The Land of Fire and Ice is located just off NM-53, which is approximately a 30 minute drive from Grants.
Google Maps
You’ll start your journey at this cabin where you can purchase your admission to the volcano and ice cave. After exploring, you can return here to purchase snacks and gifts.
JerryH9905/TripAdvisor
The current admission fees are $12 for adults and children over 13, $6 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 6.
Keep in mind that the trip down the ice cave is steep and you’ll be climbing stairs up and down. This can be a steep trek.
Mary Madigan/Flickr
On the way down, you’ll see carved signs that help explain why the cave is so cold.
Mary Madigan/Flickr
This is actually a collapsed lava tube, a long, insulated cave initially formed by flowing lava. Cool air flowing through here keeps the cave a steady 31-degrees and ice slowly builds from rainwater and snowfall throughout the year.
You won’t be able to step out onto the pool of ice but it is approximately 20 feet deep and the oldest ice here dates to about 1100 AD.
Bloody Marty/Flickr
In some areas, you’ll also be able to see icicles clinging to the walls of the cave. If the chilly air at the bottom doesn’t already convince you that it’s cold down here, perhaps those icicles will.
Mary Madigan/Flickr

The Ice Caves and Bandera Volcano are located at 12000 Ice Caves Road near Grants. It is open daily between March 1 and November 1. You can find details about admission, hours of operation, and more by visiting their website or Facebook page.

Do you feel inspired to explore more fantastic caves around the state? You can find a few of our favorites in Going Into These 5 Caves In New Mexico Is Like Entering Another World.