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 New Mexico among 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!

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Most of the trail follows the little creeks and the path is easy to follow, with a couple areas to cross the water.
SJ berryhill/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 have a flashlight or headlamp, you can explore them.
Tess Kerstetter/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.

Website: U.S. Forest Service
Website: AllTrails
Trailhead location: Google Maps
Phone: 505-438-5300

Get a closer look at Cave Creek Trail:

Have you hiked the Cave Creek Trail In New Mexico? Let us know how it was in the comments. 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! Make sure to check for closures and updates at AllTrails before you go. And don’t forget to upgrade to AllTrails+! Check out these amazing underground caves in New Mexico at Tent Rocks.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty of New Mexico

William Suphan | July 18, 2023

What are the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico?

The most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico include:

  • Carlsbad Caverns. These stunning caves are an amazing reward at the end of this beautiful hiking trail. 
  • Dripping Springs Trail. This trail will bring you to beautiful waterfalls and old ruins and it’s only a three-mile hike. 
  • Williams Lake Trail. This gorgeous hike leads you through the stunning Taos Ski Valley and to Wheeler’s Peak, the tallest point in New Mexico. 
  • Jemez Falls Trail. This is a short and easy hike that will bring you to a triple waterfall and some lovely scenery. 

 

Learn more about the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico. 

What are the most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico?

The most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico include:

  • White Sands National Monument. This vast expanse of dunes is a breathtaking sight and is the largest gypsum dune deposit on the planet.
  • Rio Grande Gorge. This gorgeous canyon is 50 miles long and 800 feet deep and has diverse flora and fauna. 
  • La Ventana Arch. Located in the El Malpais National Monument, this majestic sandstone arch is truly a natural wonder.
  • Bisti Badlands. If you want to feel like you’re on another planet, come see the otherworldly rock formations that are unlike anywhere else.

 

Find out more about the most incredible natural wonders in New Mexico. 

What are some bucket-list natural places in New Mexico?

Bucket list natural places in New Mexico include:

  • Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. This is a mesmerizing stretch of badlands with intriguing hoodoos and fossils near Chaco Canyon.
  • Cimarron Cnyon State Park. Towering rock formations and lush forests await you at this breathtaking state park. 
  • Nambe Falls. It only takes a short hike to get to these stunning waterfalls which will leave you in awe. 
  • Trampas Lakes. This amazing place is quite remote and well worth the seven-mile hike that it takes to reach it. 

 

Discover more about bucket list natural places in New Mexico. 

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