El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico - May 9, 2004

El Malpais National Monument is primarily a big old lava flow, with some neat sandstone bluffs to go along. Well worth a side trip for a bit if you're passing by.


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Lava flow along side the highway. [2048x1536]

First turnoff is for Lava Falls. Unfortunately, it's a 1 mile trail, and I didn't have time or supplies for that kind of walk. [2048x1536]

So I just took some pictures from near the parking area. [2048x1536]

Lots of lava flows. [2048x1536]

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Some big cracks in the lava.
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And a little cactus growing on the lava. [2048x1536]

Back on the main road. [2048x1536]

Coming up on the narrows. [2048x1536]

The Narrows. [2048x1536]

Through here, the road just fits between the lava on the left and the sandstone cliffs on the right. [2048x1536]

Next turnoff - La Ventana Arch. [2048x1536]

The arch. [2048x1536]

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After Utah a week ago, the question here is: "What, just one arch?" [2048x1536]

And they label it. [2048x1536]

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Closest viewpoint, though there were some people climbing up closer. [2048x1536]

Big boulder along the trail near the arch. [2048x1536]

Looking back across the road at the lava flows. [2048x1536]

Back on the road, almost to Grants. [2048x1536]

Still more lava flow. [2048x1536]

And more. [2048x1536]
E-mail domain: teresco.org, username: terescoj - Sun May 9 20:28:00 MDT 2004

Copyright notice: All images are copyright © James D. Teresco unless otherwise specified. Unauthorized use is prohibited.