Explore Big Skylight Cave & Giant Ice Cave, El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

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Explore the Big Tubes Area of El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico. Big Skylight Cave and Giant Ice Cave in are spectacular sights. The lava bridges are also impressive. It is is strenuous hiking in the area. Big Skylight is immense; its massive size has to be seen to be appreciated. It and contains more than just a picturesque window to the world above; the cave includes perfectly preserved lava benches, a pahoehoe flow floor, and delicate “moon milk” minerals. These features, and the moss gardens under the skylight, need to be protected and not touched or trampled. Look, admire, photograph, but please respect all these fragile formations and areas. Giant Ice is a pleasure to visit on a warm summer day, with its cool ice room and small perennial ice floor found at the cave’s back rim. In winter and spring, temporary columns of translucent ice can grow to several feet high near the center of the cave. From Highway 53, take Cibola County Road 42 (unpaved) south to Forest Road 300 and follow the road to the Big Tubes parking area. Hike the cairn trail a half mile to the flow trench. Look for a route down to the cave from the edge, just south of where the trail crosses a natural lava bridge over the trench. Don't forget your FREE cave permit. Caving permits are available at the El Malpais Information Center or at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center. These permits are free, but visitors will need to speak with a ranger about previous caving experience and receive cave safety and conservation information. Cave permits are only valid for the months indicated and for entry into specific caves. A new permit is required if visitors go to caves outside the monument and then return to re-enter caves here at El Malpais. Source: NPS

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