Lava Falls Trail - El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

The Lava Falls Trail forms a one-mile loop with a short spur trail leading into a natural amphitheater of lava. McCarty's lava flow field is about 1,500 years old. The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais National Monument offers incredible geologic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, and lava tubes.

Narrows Rim Trail - El Malpais National Conservation Area, New Mexico

This hike is along Cretaceous-aged sandstone ramparts high above the young lava landscape, with panoramic views of the McCarty's Lava Flow. I hiked 3 miles round-trip.

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook - El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico

Below the bluffs are the lava flows of El Malpais National Monument. This landscape has incredible geologic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, and sandstone bluffs. 

Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais National Conservation Area, New Mexico

This campground is open year round. This area is first come, first served. There are no camping fees at Joe Skeen Campground. There are ten campsites. The elevation is 6,856 feet.

Wheeler Peak - New Mexico

Wheeler Peak is the highest point in New Mexico, at 13,167 feet. It lies in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. My hike was 9 miles round trip with a stop at Williams Lake. It took me 7.5 hours. The elevation gain was 2,935 feet.

On the summit.

On the summit.

On the summit.