Grants, New Mexico, United States
Rating: 6.86
Type of attraction: Adventure. Outdoor. Sightseeing. Familiar.
New Mexico's Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano natural landmarks provide outstanding opportunities for discovery.
An authentic and natural, educational experience. Let your imagination soar as you walk over the ancient Anasazi trail,
and into the heart of what the Spanish declared El Malpais. A rich history of refreshing splendor, the ice cave has
attracted people down into its mysteriously cool depths for over 1200 years. Witness to this history, has been the
twisted, old growth forest some of which are among the oldest living trees in the state. Standing as a spectacular
monument of Earth's volcanic fury, Bandera overwhelms proportion. Experience the breathtaking beauty of this special
place visit the Land of fire and ice and capture some of New Mexico's most unique photographic scenery.
Ice cave.
For a real experience in contrast, visit the land of fire and ice. Situated on the Continental Divide among Ponderosa
Pines at an elevation of almost 8000 ft, this area has been called 'the most moon-like expanse of the country on Earth'.
The ancient lava trails lead you to a collapsed lava tube. Inside the ice cave, the temperature never rises above 31 F.
degrees. Here, the natural layers of perpetual ice glisten blue-green in the reflected rays of the sunlight.
Bandera Volcano.
The Bandera crater rose up in volcanic fury some 10000 years ago. Approximately 1200 feet across and 800 feet deep,
Bandera is one of the finest examples of an erupted volcano in the country, and one of the most accessible.
In addition to the contemporary Indian arts, the historic trading post has ancient artifacts on display. Most of these
were found in the lava and some date back 1200 years. The ice cave trading company deals in jewelry, pottery, rugs and
other art of the local Indian pueblos. An impressive selection of rocks, minerals, souvenirs, snacks and WiFi internet
are also available. The ice cave and the Bandera volcano are spectacular sights near the log trading post.
www.icecaves.com
