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Recreational Activities
Home : Ranger
Districts : Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger
District : Trails
Trail 288 Cave Creek Trail
 
Length: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Use: Heavy
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Highest and Lowest Points: 9,720 and 8,400 feet
Trail Access: Panchuela Trailhead (hikers), Cowles Trailhead (horsemen);
consult map for trail junctions
USGS Maps: Cowles
Fee for Trailhead Parking: $2.00 fee at Panchuela Trailhead
Trailhead Facilities: Information board, trailer parking, and
restrooms at Cowles. Restrooms, water, and information board at
Panchuela.
Description:
Hikers starting from Panchuela should cross
the bridge and follow the trail up the creek. Horsemen should
start from Cowles, ride the trail toward Panchuela, and cross
the creek at the stock crossing. The trail goes up the creek
to the junction of Cave Creek and Panchuela Creek. It is necessary
to cross the stream and follow Cave Creek, the left fork.
Do not continue straight up Panchuela Creek. About a quarter
mile upstream from this crossing are the caves. Listen for
the absence of the sound of the river to help locate these
caves, since they were formed by the river flowing underground.
After the caves, the trail continues up the canyon, followng
the north bank of the river. The last mile of trail before
the junction with Skyline Trail
251 is very steep and eroded. |
Notes:
 This
trail is in the Pecos Wilderness. Motorized equipment and
mechanized transportation, including mountain bikes, hunter
carts, and chainsaws are prohibited.
Do
not camp within 50 feet of the trail or stream. Use existing
campsites and pack out all your trash. |
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