Announcement for the Day! | Unsplash by AbsolutVision
Announcement for the Day! | Unsplash by AbsolutVision
The Cave Trail
One of the main things we do in the Visitor Center is help people choose a hike in the park. Often, visitors will arrive asking about the Cave Trail.
The basics: a quarter mile west of the VC, park in the lot there, the trail is one-half mile long, ending at the entrance to Coronado Cave.
But there is more to be said. Generally we do not recommend this trail unless your purpose is the enter the cave. It is rocky, steep in spots, and though short it is not easy. There are much better options in the park for a short hike (like the Coronado Peak Trail). However, it must also be said that there are gorgeous views to be seen along the trail. Here are some pictures of what you will see, taken by park volunteer Ron Stewart.
We have posted here before about the interesting geology. As you go up the trail you will pass through various formations of igneous and sedimentary rock. Keep an eye out for the gray, white, and buff colored, fine grained rock that starts about half-way to the cave. This is the limestone that holds the cave.
So... looking for a good short hike? Fairly challenging? By all means walk up the Cave Trail. It will reward you with pretty views, maybe not as nice as the Coronado Peak Trail, but it is another option for visitors.
Original source can be found here.
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