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 at Valley of Fires

The terrain at the Valley of Fires is rugged and sharp, so hiking can be a bit challenging. The Malpais Nature Trail is a paved three-quarter-mile trail that winds directly 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).

Valley of Fires is 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 Lava Flow

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 at Valley of Fires, you can see the dark lava stretching across the valley toward the distant mountains.

Looking at the aerial map, you can see the lava flow contrasts the nearby White Sands National Park. You might be surprised to see so much color in a desert!

How Long Should You Spend?

You can get a good feel for Valley of Fires in 30 minutes to an hour.

There isn’t a huge list of attractions here, but the lava field is unusual enough that it is absolutely worth stopping at if it’s on your route. Enjoy the rocks and be careful touching them, they get real hot!