Geronimo's Cave hike

Name: Geronimo's Cave hike
Start: 2025-05-24T08:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-05-24T10:00:00-06:00
Location: Geronimo's Cave Parking Area

Hosted By

Steve D.

Details

Location: 32.463861, -106.903278

#### Distance: About 2.5 miles R.T.

#### Elevation Gain: 557 ft

#### Level: Moderate.

#### Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours

This hike is located in Radium Springs and it leads to an interesting cave allegedly once used as an escape route by Geronimo. We will cross the dry river bed to get to the trail, so this is the last chance to do this hike before the Rio Grande fills again on June 1.

To reach this area, enter the geo coordinates (32.463861, -106.903278) into Google Maps. As you approach the area on North Valley Drive, ignore Google's instructions and do NOT turn left on Ironshoe (it is a dead end).
Instead, continue a little further north till you reach Hayride Road. Turn left (west) toward the river here and then turn left (south) once again onto the levee. The parking is just down the levee a little ways on the right hand side. See screenshot of map below.

This is a fairly easy hike that is mostly on packed gravel, with modest elevation gain. The only steep/slippery part is the climb up to the rim of the mesa right after we cross the dry river bed.

We will start hiking promptly at 8:00 a.m. Please be on time! Leave 15 minutes earlier than you think you'll need to.

As always, beginners and newbies welcomed. We will take as many breaks as needed.
Here's the usual things to keep in mind:

Stay on the trail, don't walk off the trail
Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
Take breaks often
Know your limits and how you're feeling
Bring water and a snack, if you need/ want one
If you want to see more of the cave than just the entrance, bring a flashlight or headlamp.

Follow Leave No Trace principles