New Mexico has plenty of hidden gems, and the Grants New Mexico ice caves are just one of them. 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. Come explore these ice caves in New Mexico.

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.
Nicole S./Google
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 $14 for adults and children over 13, $7 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 6.

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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

See what it’s like to explore these intriguing caves:

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 the Ice Cave Facebook page.

Have you been to these ice caves in New Mexico? Let us know about your experience in the comments. Do you feel inspired to explore more fantastic caves around New Mexico? Here are some other kinds of caves in New Mexico that are worth exploring.

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Beautiful Places In New Mexico

Will Suphan | December 11, 2023

What are some bucket list natural places in New Mexico?

Bucket list natural places in New Mexico include:

  • 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. 
  • Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. This is a mesmerizing stretch of badlands with intriguing hoodoos and fossils near Chaco Canyon.

Discover more about bucket list natural places in New Mexico. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico?

The most scenic hiking trails in New Mexico include:

  • 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. 
  • Carlsbad Caverns. These stunning caves are an amazing reward at the end of this beautiful hiking trail. 

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:

  • 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.
  • White Sands National Monument. This vast expanse of dunes is a breathtaking sight and is the largest gypsum dune deposit on the planet.

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

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12000 Ice Caves Rd, Grants, NM 87020, USA