The Underground Hike In New Mexico That’s Unlike Any Other In The World

New Mexico offers boundless hiking opportunities to novice and devoted hikers alike. Choose from ten different trails here that lead to diverse destinations like cliff dwellings and natural hot springs. However, there's an underground hike in New Mexico that is one of the most unique hiking trails in New Mexico and worth the trek to experience!

Head to El Malpais National Monument in Western New Mexico to see this stunning monument, encompassing dramatic scenery above ground…

… and below ground.

Your destination is Junction Cave.

This cave is suitable for those with little to no caving experience. As far as hiking goes, the route is moderately difficult – at times you need to hunch over or clamber around boulders, and the gravel is sometimes loose. But that’s a small price to pay for taking a subterranean hike, which is certainly one of the most unique hiking trails in New Mexico.

The lava flows in this area vary widely in age.

Some are a mere 3000 years old, while others were formed millions of years ago. Junction Cave is a lava tube cave. This type of cave is created when liquid lava flows along a channel and a crust forms over the top of it. When the eruption stops, an empty tube-shaped cave is sometimes left behind.

The ceiling at the entrance to Junction Cave is low, but don’t let that put you off because it gets higher a short way inside.

There’s no need to worry about getting lost down here because this is an out-and-back hike. You can go in a short distance or all the way to the end on this underground hiking experience in New Mexico.

Junction Cave is essentially a long tunnel, one of many underground tunnels in New Mexico, with one short side passage (which is more challenging to traverse). You’ll know it's time to turn around when you encounter a blocked-off section, just before the cave naturally ends.

Before you attempt any type of caving, you need to be prepared.

When you reach this national monument, stop in at the visitor center. There you can pick up a free caving permit and a ranger will discuss safety issues with you. Then, you’re on your way.

It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water, several types of light (flashlights, headlamps), and some form of head protection. Wear good hiking boots and bring layers of clothing. The temperature inside the caves is usually about 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

To reach Junction Cave, take Highway 53 for approximately 25 miles then look for signs to El Calderon. Turn off onto a gravel road for 0.3 miles. This leads straight to the parking lot. Continue on foot, along a well-marked, short path to the cave's entrance.

Junction Cave closes for the winter, so this is definitely a hike worth adding to your spring, summer, or fall bucket list.

Does the idea of a lava tube hike appeal to you? Have you been to El Malpais National Monument? Visit the official website for El Malpais National Monument for more information on visiting, including maps you can use to help navigate once inside the cave.

While you’re in the area, allow time to visit the Land of Fire and Ice. There aren’t many places on Earth where you can view an ice cave just a short distance from the remains of an erupted volcano.