New Mexico · Hiking

Caves Trail

0.4 mi
round trip
33 ft
climb
7,335 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jan–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Caves Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Gila National Forest. It doesn't name Caves Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Gila National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Caves Trail is a short, easy hike in the Gila Wilderness, part of the Wilderness Ranger District of Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail lies within designated wilderness. The route is an out-and-back of about 0.7 miles, with a low point of 7,290 feet and a high of 7,335 feet. The climb is gentle, with only about 33 feet of elevation gain one way. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Ft Bayard show October highs around 74°F with lows near 47°F, and May highs around 80°F. That station sits roughly 1,200 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The Continental Divide Trail passes about 0.7 miles away, and Rocky Campground Road is a similar distance. Farther out, Brannon Park Trail #95 is about 1.7 miles off, and Black Canyon Campground - Lower is about 5.7 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jan–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Caves Trail

    Best months: January–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      56° / 32°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      59° / 34°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 37°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 43°

      3 wet

    5. May

      80° / 50°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 60°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 64°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 63°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 58°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 47°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      63° / 37°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 30°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ft Bayard, NM, 22.6 mi away at 6,099 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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