Southeast New Mexico
Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Photography: check before you shoot
One of the youngest lava flows in the continental US — the Carrizozo Malpais, a 40-mile river of black basalt poured out about 5,000 years ago. The paved Malpais Nature Trail loops right over the flow from the BLM campground off US-380; go at golden hour when the rock glows and the Sierra Blanca rises beyond.
Good for
GeologyLavaUs-380Family-Friendly
Sources & verification
- Last verified June 11, 2026 via Todo Nuevo México curated places — Todo Nuevo México editorial