Grants / Cibola Sands KOA

The Great Outdoors

Renting an RV is one of the best ways to experience the vast expanses of New Mexico. One of the best things to do while visiting Grants is to go hiking. The area is home to some of the oldest lava beds in the United States, and there are places to hike very close to the campground in the El Malpais National Conservation Area. A 20-minute drive south of the KOA will take you to the El Malpais trailhead, where you can hike to the stunning El Malpais National Monument. The Zuni Acona trail is another nearby option where you can see the area's unique landscape. This hike is considered fairly challenging, so it's better for advanced hikers. For an easier option, try the El Calderon hike, where you'll see a cinder cone volcano.If you're camping at Grants KOA and want to do something more daring, consider going caving. Caving at El Malpais is by permit only, so be sure to get approved before you go. The area is full of caves formed by volcanic lava. A fascinating cave attraction is the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, which you can visit without a permit. It's situated right on the Continental Divide, and the stunning cave makes for a fascinating photo op.While renting an RV in Grants, you can also go mountain biking. One of the most popular routes runs from the town of Grants up to Mount Taylor, which is slightly northeast of town. Mount Taylor offers some of the best views in the area - you'll be able to see gorgeous mountain views for miles around. There are also hiking trails in this area if you want to experience the views, but prefer not to bike. In the winter, the town of Grants hosts the Mount Taylor Quadrathlon. This intense race starts with mountain biking to the base of Mount Taylor, and then continues with running, skiing, and snowshoeing to the top of the mountain. The entire race is 43 miles long and is an incredible challenge for serious athletes.

Exploring The Area

The town of Grants is small, but you'll still find interesting attractions to explore while camping with an RV there. One of the most interesting is the New Mexico Mining Museum. This fascinating museum is home to a replica mine shaft that you can tour, as well as several exhibits about the history of mining. Mining has always been an integral part of the area's industry, and this brings that to life.Grants is also very close to multiple Native American settlements, which you can visit to learn more about their history and culture. The Acoma Pueblo is located nearby, and they offer exhibits and tours of historical villages. The Zuni Pueblo is also located a short drive from Grants and has a cultural center where you can learn more about the works of Zuni artisans. Since every Native American tribe is different, these are completely unique experiences that you can't find anywhere else in the country, and should definitely be on your itinerary when you book an RV in Cibola County.The town of Grants is located just on the other side of the highway from the KOA. While camping in an RV there, you will be close to any essentials you may need. The town has several restaurants where you can eat, ranging from classic Mexican and American foods as well as pizza and Chinese. There are also gas stations, convenience stores, banks, and pharmacies, as well as a grocery store where you can pick up any snacks or cooking ingredients you need. RV camping in Grants is an amazing way to explore the gorgeous natural beauty of New Mexico.