Valley of Fires, NM

Alexandra Proctor
Mar 18
2 min read

State: New Mexico

Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hJ19xqN9PN9nqEh8

Park: Valley of Fires Recreation Area

Length: Malpais Nature Trail - 0.8 miles

Elevation: 32 feet

Fee: Daily Pass of $5.00 per vehicle, Free with America the Beautiful Pass

Valley of Fires Recreation Area, a lesser known geological gem in southern New Mexico, grants the hiker a chance to walk around one of the youngest and best preserved lava flows in the continental United States.

The Carrizozo Malpais lava flow emerged from volcanic vents in the valley floor about 5,000 years ago. A volcano wasn't the source of these formations. Instead, lava flowed from openings in the Earth. Little Black Peak is thought to be the last vent that opened. From these vents, lava rapidly spewed at an estimated rate of 5 cubic meters per second spreading southward through the valley. Geologists estimate that the vents erupted for about 30 years.

Lava Flow in Hawaii. Photo taken from National Park Service

Despite the harsh landscape left by the lava flows, life here flourishes. Interwoven into the black basalt rock are plants of several species to include one-seed juniper, prickly pear, cane cholla, creosote, sotol, and banana yucca.

Sotol, in particular, is prominent among the formations. Often mistaken for yucca plants, sotol is distinguishable by its serrated, saw-toothed leaves. The base of the sotol, notable for its high sugar content, contains sap and when collected can be fermented. This process results in a potent beverage, called sotol, and has been referred to in the past as the "bootleg of Northern Mexico."

One of the main draws of this short path is the 400 year old trailside Juniper. Its gnarled branches twist into the sky making for one of the more remarkable trail highlights.

As you walk along the path, you'll notice several formations that resemble small "caves" or lava tubes. When the lava flowed from the vents approximately 5,000 years ago, it settled and formed hollow spaces - usually bubbles or long tubes. These tubes are often hospitable homes for local bats. There were no bat sightings on this early walk, but I'm sure campers may see them flitting about the sky in the hours of dusk.

Overall, this is a family friendly and ADA-accessible trail. The full length is paved. Educational signs are dotted along the trail, allowing the hiker to learn about the geology, flora, and fauna of the landscape. If completing this trail in the warmer months, I would recommend starting in the early evening or towards sunset. The entire trail will be exposed to the sun.

This trail is just one example of New Mexico's volcanic past and present. Follow along in the future for more lava-inspired adventures.