El Malpais National Monument- Grants, New Mexico

Description:  

Located in the Southwestern part of the US, El Malpais's diversity of volcanic landscape provides the visitor with stunning beauty. El Malpais is one of the largest lava flows in North America. 

Location: 

Grants, NM 

Cost: 

Free 

Adventure Highlights: 

During our visit to the park we visited three different areas of the park; The Sandstone Bluffs, Arch, and the Lava Falls area. 

 The Sandstone Bluffs 

The natural surrounding were breathtaking (as well as the step drop offs). Millions of years geological activity is in front of you as you stand of the edge of the sandstone cliffs.  The kids were trying to find a warm place, which is challenging when it is 38 degrees. 

La Ventana Arch 
    

This is one of New Meixco's largest natural arch's. It is a very short hike from the parking lot to the base of the arch. 

Lava Falls Trail 

The 1 mile hike at Lava Falls was the highlight of our visit to El Malpais. The jagged lava flow being the trail, with cairns marking the route. This is new earth, being only 3,000 years old. McCarthy's Carter likely erupted several times over the course of several years causes the swirls, cracks, and patterns we see today. The kids loved to see the trenches which are surprisingly deep.