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Valley of Fires
Last updated on Friday, July 18, 2003
Lava Flows at
Valley of Fires.
Photo by Rebecca Speaks.
The Valley of Fires, four miles west of Carrizozo on U. S. 380 is one of the youngest and best preserved lava fields in the continental United States. Yet it is little publicized. It was established as a State Park in 1966 but is now administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Known also as the Carrizozo Malpais (badlands), it was formed between 1500 and 2000 years ago when Little Black Peak erupted pouring molten lava for forty-four miles southwest through the valley. It isn't a volcano per se since the lava flowed via vents, burying almost everything in its path. One hundred sixty-five feet deep at the thickest point, the formation is between two and five miles wide.
From a distance it appears as barren rock but when you walk through the nature trail there are many varieties of flowers, cactus, trees and bushes typical of the Chihuahuan desert. There is a juniper that is said to be 400 years old. The lava is similar to Hawaiian lava, jagged and rippled, and most of the lava field is a wilderness study area. The self-guided Malpais Nature Trail is paved for 1 /3 mile, fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Interpretive brochures are available at the trailhead near the group shelter. In addition to the flora, fauna abound. There are bats, roadrunners, quail, cottontails, lizards, great horned owls, burrowing owls, buzzards, hawks, gnat catchers, cactus wrens, sparrows and golden eagles, a virtual birdwatcher's paradise.
The Recreation Area, open year-round, has 20 campsites with picnic shelters, tables, grills, and water. Fourteen of these sites have RV electrical hookups. The Visitor Contact Station has handicap-accessible restrooms. A dump station is available, too. The Comfort Station has hot and cold water and flush toilets but no showers. The Group Picnic Shelter is available by reservation. The elevation is 5,250 feet and hot in the summer and windy and cold in the winter. Layering is the best way to dress. The Visitor Center has gifts, books, postcards, T-shirts and information about public lands in New Mexico. Book titles range from geology to the history of the area, plus guides to the plants and animals in the area. Food, gas and amenities are available in Carrizozo.
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