Photos of Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano in Grants, New Mexico
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano in Grants, New Mexico, here are some things to know before you go.
What is the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano?
The Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano (also sometimes called Bandera Volcano Ice Cave or Zuni Ice Cave) is a privately owned natural attraction featuring a cinder cone volcano and a perpetual ice cave formed in a collapsed lava tube.
The volcanic eruption that formed Bandera Volcano occurred about 10,000 years ago, producing lava flows and lava tube systems.The ice cave is located in a section of the collapsed lava tube; the microclimate inside keeps the temperature low (never above about 31 °F / 0 °C) all year.
What are the attractions’s hours? Is it open seasonally?
The attraction is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm during its operating months. Is it open seasonally and their regular season runs March 1 through November 1. They may close in winter/off-season or in inclement weather.
Where is Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano located?
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is located at 12000 Ice Caves Road in Grants, New Mexico. It is about 25–26 miles southwest of Grants, off NM Hwy 53, from I-40 Exit 81.
The trails / access originate from the Ice Caves Trading Post, which serves as the visitor gateway.
What is the admission price? Are there special rates?
General admission (ages 13+) is $14.00. Children ages 6–12 pay $7.00 Children 5 and under are free. Seniors, military, AAA members get $1 off
The admission covers access to both the volcano trail and the ice cave and the small museum/trading post. Because it is privately owned, national park passes (e.g. National Park Service passes) do not grant free access here.
No reservation is required.
What can you expect from the trails and walks?
The loop combining both attractions is about 1.8 miles out and back (going from the trading post, up the volcano, then to the cave and back). Hiking it at a leisurely pace, including stops, takes about 1 hour to see both volcano and cave.
The volcano trail (to the crater rim / viewing points) is nearly ½ mile round trip, with an elevation gain of about 150 ft. The trail rises gradually; the route is not extremely steep overall, but some parts are rough or over volcanic cinders.
After reaching the volcano section, you walk over lava flow terrain to reach the cave. To descend into the ice cave, there are 72 steps (wooden staircases) leading down. The cave chamber is relatively small. Inside, the temperature never rises above freezing.
Trail conditions depend on weather and season: after rains, volcanic surfaces may be slippery.
How long should you plan to spend at Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano?
Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much you linger and explore.
Don’t forget time for purchasing admission, walking from the trading post to trail start, and possibly browsing the shop and displays.
What will you see at this attraction?
Volcano crater & lava flows: Bandera Volcano is a classic cinder cone. You’ll see the breached side of the crater and lava flows that emanated from it.
Ice cave: Within the lava tube collapse, cold air traps cause perennial ice. The ice appears bluish-green because of algae in some layers.
Trading Post & small museum: At the trailhead, there is a trading post that sells local crafts, souvenirs, and also displays ancient artifacts found on the site.
Scenic lava bed trails: A scenic route links the trails through old lava bed terrain. It may be rougher than the main routes.
What facilities, amenities, and lodging are available?
Parking & visitor center: There is a parking lot adjacent to the trading post (trailhead).
Restrooms / basic amenities: The trading post has basic services: snacks, drinks, restrooms, gift shop.
Camping & overnight stays: They offer tent camping, RV parking (without hookups), and cabins (without plumbing).
Pets: Dogs (on leash) are allowed on the trails, including to both the volcano and cave. However, volcanic rock can be rough on paws, so some carry their dogs part of the way.
Where to Stay Near the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these hotels on Arizona Route 66.
Sands Motel
Sands Motel is a budget-friendly classic Route 66 motel in Grants, New Mexico. The vintage motel has carpeted floors, cable TV, microwaves, mini refrigerators, and WiFi.
Historic El Rancho Hotel
One of the best motels on Route 66, Historic El Rancho Hotel is only a short drive away from Grants. Sleep where the stars have at this 1940s hotel that has hosted some of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars and makers, including Robert Mitchum, Elia Kazan, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, William Holden, Billy Wilder, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Troy Donahue, and more. Photos of the stars are peppered throughout the intricately designed property and each room is themed with a star’s photo and information.
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I really enjoyed this stop! It was a great chance to spend some time in nature and check out two different natural formations. The hike isn’t too strenuous and the ice cave was definitely my favorite part to see!