Lava Caves – Lava Trench loop from Junction Cave (no entry)

Hiking trails & Routes

Cibola County

Lava Caves – Lava Trench loop from Junction Cave (no entry)

Moderate

5.0

(1)

hikers

Lava Caves – Lava Trench loop from Junction Cave (no entry)

02:00

7.42km

100m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

462 m

Lava Caves

Highlight • Cave

The lava caves were formed by ancient lava flows and are now a world of their own. These caves are often diverse ecosystems that remain secluded from the rest of …

Tip by

1.19 km

lava caves (no entry)

Viewpoint

2.01 km

Lava Trench

Highlight • Volcano

The Lava Trench is a reminder of how quickly and how efficiently a volcano can shape the surrounding landscape. There is a giant "gutter" down the middle of the hillside from where lava once flowed.

Tip by

2.87 km

You can look down into the heart of the ancient El Calderon Volcano. The Cinder Cone Rim Loop offers great views down into the cone from different perspectives, and you can look back towards the El Malpais Wilderness from here.

Tip by

2.87 km

El Calderon Cinder Cone

Highlight • Volcano

El Calderon Cinder Cone is a volcanic feature formed from ejected volcanic materials. It is a popular place to visit for people interested in the geological history of the area …

Tip by

4.30 km

El Calderon Loop Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

There are a couple different trails you can take to approach the summit of El Calderon, but the El Calderon Loop Trail is by far the most popular route. You …

Tip by

7.42 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.84 km

1.59 km

Surfaces

3.70 km

2.13 km

1.59 km