Valley of Fires

Just outside Carrizozo, a massive field of jagged black lava rocks cut across the otherwise open Tularosa Basin.

Although the dark rock looks fresh, the Valley of Fires formed about 5,000 years ago, when lava from Little Black Peak flowed 44 miles across the basin. The resulting Carrizozo lava flow covers about 125 square miles and is considered one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States.

What to Do

The terrain at the Valley of Fires is sharp and uneven, so hiking can be annoying. The Malpais Nature Trail is a paved three-quarter-mile trail that winds through the flow. The trail has signs explaining the geology, plants, and animals that have adapted to the volcanic landscape. There is also a small visitor center with exhibits and a picnic area at the trailhead. Other than that, the main attraction is scrambling across the lava field (or taking pictures and saying you did). It’s also a developed BLM campground, with sites for tents and RVs. Facilities include picnic shelters, restrooms, showers, water, and several RV sites with electrical and water hookups.

The Carrizozo eruption produced enormous quantities of relatively fluid basaltic lava that spread across the basin. Today, the black flow is between four and six miles wide in places and reaches approximately 160 feet thick. From the elevated overlook here, you can see the dark lava stretching across the valley toward the distant mountains.

Looking at the aerial map, the lava flow’s black rock contrasts sharply with the pale gypsum sand of the nearby White Sands National Park.

How Much Time to Spend

You can get a good feel for Valley of Fires in 30 minutes to an hour. The terrain is all quite similar and hiking for a long time is unpleasant.

Getting There

Valley of Fires Recreation Area sits right on US-380, about four miles west of Carrizozo, with paved access all the way to the visitor center and campground, no high-clearance vehicle needed. A BLM day-use fee applies. Navigation is straightforward, you’ll see the black lava field from the highway well before you arrive.

The lava field itself is the draw here, and it’s worth a stop if it’s on your route. Enjoy the rocks, but don’t touch them without thinking, they get real hot in the sun!