Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

Panchuela Campground is located in the Pecos Wilderness area of New Mexico. The campground serves as a gateway to the wilderness region, situated along streams that are popular for fishing. This picturesque camping area is nestled in the forest with beautiful mountain views, making it a perfect basecamp for exploring the surrounding wilderness. Visitors should be prepared for a natural setting with access to multiple trailheads in the area.

The primary trail accessible from Panchuela Trailhead is the Cave Creek Trail, a relatively mild 5.6-mile round trip hike (2.8 miles each way) that leads to some local caves. This trail is suitable for day hikes or as an introduction to backpacking, with moderate difficulty that makes it approachable for most skill levels. The surrounding Pecos Wilderness area offers numerous additional hiking opportunities, with fish-filled streams along many routes. The trailhead serves as an excellent gateway to exploring the broader wilderness area.

While both are located in the Pecos area, Panchuela Campground is specifically situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, offering backpacking tent sites and some shelters for $5 per night. It's primarily designed for tent camping with a focus on trail access. The campground is reportedly very popular, filling up every weekend. In contrast to Cowles, Panchuela places campers directly at a major trailhead, making it ideal for hikers looking to get an early start on wilderness adventures.