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2017 Map of Ice Caves

Name: 2017 Topographic Map of Ice Caves
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2017
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2017

About this map

Bandera Crater and the surrounding volcanic landscape dominate this portion of the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field, where geology and recreation intersect. The map documents the northern reaches of El Malpais National Monument and portions of the Cibola National Forest, highlighting a terrain defined by cinder cones and basalt flows. Notable landmarks such as Cerro Bandera and the famous Ice Caves illustrate the unique environmental conditions of the region, where subterranean ice persists even in the high desert.

Modern transit and recreational infrastructure follow ancient geological contours, with San Rafael Road and CO Road 42 providing access to the rugged interior. Long-distance hikers are served by the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which winds past numerous named volcanic features including Lava Crater and Cerro Candelaria. The network of paths like the El Calderon Loop and the Big Tubes area underscores the region's importance as a site for both scientific study and public exploration of New Mexico's volcanic history.