"We parked at Panchuela Campground, in the Pecos River valley, after a 2 hour drive from the Albuquerque area. I took a personal day off work, Friday, September 30, 2011. We were planning to camp at Johnson Lake, elevation 11,115 feet. Being such a high elevation, October and cool weather, we were expecting the possibility of winter conditions. We usually hike in ultralight luxury with about 30 pounds, but expecting possible snow I packed 39 pounds and Garret packed 46 pounds. We both took along our minus 20 down bags and extra warm clothing. It was a beautiful fall morning with not a cloud in the sky. The starting elevation was 8350 feet. The fall colors were in their splendor as we hiked. We hiked along the beautiful Panchuela Creek, trail 288 for a couple of miles then followed the same trail along Cave Creek. I hiked this same trail, up to the caves, with my wife and 4 daughters in July 2006 when we camped at Panchuela Campground. It takes about 2.4 miles to reach the caves. The stream disappears into a mountain cave. Garret and I took a little break and examined the same cave I saw 5 years ago with my daughters. I did not realize that we had not seen the main cave until we re..." — Phil-Robinson • Oct 1, 2011