valley of fires recreation area

I was on my way to the VLA - Very Large Array and passed this area all covered in what I told a co-worker "it looked as if a fire took place on RT380." I was told it was the Valley of Fire where lava once flowed. So, I took a day to venture out and check it out for myself. I did picked a cool day and the walk is about 1hr-30mins. It took me 2hrs. I love to take pictures. The park has a $3.00 honor fee, which, means you put your money in a metal box and drive into the park. The rangers station is there to ask questions and buy books about the valley history. The walk is about 2miles long and the lava is as black as black can be. The age of the lava is 2000 years old and one can walk on it with care. Wild animals walk freely about and the plant life is all the same from Banana Yucca plants to Prickly Pear Cactus. The Lava flowed from Little Black Peak and traveled 44miles along the Tularosa Basin. There is a 16 mile gap from Valley of Fire to White Sands National Monument. Best time to go is in the winter and early spring. If one does decide to go in the summer remember its the desert and the temps will be in the 100 and higher. Don't forget your water, hat, and sunglasses, oh yes and sun screen of 30 or higher. Enjoy, your visit.

So this was a representative lava flow as you'd find in other places in NM. The advantage was that it's easy to stop and hike among the lava field. Pretty nice - but I'd only do this if it was on your way...

Rented a car from the strip. It's and easy 1 hour drive and worth getting out and exploring the different trails. It's a $10 per car fee to enter the state park. Each trail ranges from 3/4 mile to 1.25 mile so easy hiking. We spent the better part of the day hiking, a nice change from the crowds of Vegas.

This most unusual volcanic flow is now a beautiful natural garden attracting birds and butterflies. The trails are very safe with rails and accessible. Beautiful and not crowds in winter.

This is a worthwhile stop. The lava field is fascinating to see. It is an easy loop paved walk around that takes about an hour. You are allowed to go off the path and step on the lava rock.Be mindful that during the summer months, it can be hot during the day. Need sunscreen and water. Or go early to avoid the heat.

We went out and explored the trail among the Valley of Fire lava beds. This area is amazing and the trail is well marked with historical facts of how and why this area came about. This is one of those sites to see when traveling through New Mexico!

The paved nature trail was very nice. There are information boards along the trail, so I learned about some of the geology, and plant and animal life in the area. The brochure available at the Visitor's center also has more information about what you can see along the trail. This is a very beautiful area with plenty of photo opportunities.

This is a beautiful area "off the beaten path". It is a Bureau of Land Management area, with a 3/4 mile walking trail out across the lava fields. The lava came up through vents in the ground, not from Volcanic lava flows. There is RV and tent camping, an information and visitor center and picnic areas.

We were on our way to Alamogordo to go to White Sands and saw a sign for this recreation area. We decided to stop for a short break and are glad we did. There was a $5 charge which we placed in an envelope as the gate wasn't manned when we were there in September. There is a visitor center with info and restrooms. The nature travel is a roughly paved and goes into the lava field. There are interpretive signs along the way describing how the lava field came to be, the plants and animals found there. It was quite interesting and lovely to see.

This is something to see, old volcano...stretches for miles Did want to stop but you can see so much from the road.

This is such a unique place to visit. Great for all ages. Great pictures! We saw several lizards, a snake and a horney toad (horned lizard!). The walk is pretty short and (mostly) easy, but take some water because it gets hot out there!

The nesting hills between Capitan & Carrizozo on 380 traveling west to east haven't been mentioned. They are also spectacular in their own way. Crossed over the hills you enter a wide flat valley with igneous features on all sides. The lava is higher than our car, an average 45 feet.Life has taken over the field including one pest. When we got out of the car at the overlook swarms of sticky little flying bugs decided to cling to our faces. Cut short our willingness to look at scenery.Was wishing that the bats were out to take care of them. Did not see a bird to do the job.Got several good pictures I will upload. None of them are retouched, nor needed to be. The light of NM is reason enough to come here.

The scenic drive to this area was beautiful on a rainy day. The lava formations are something everyone should see if you travel this location. The staff was very helpful and friendly and as volunteers they were well educated about the history of the area.

I've always been intrigued by this place. Take the time to walk the trail down onto the "Malpais" - the volcanic rock formations, even if you can't go the whole distance. There is a decent camp ground with lots of bath facilities too, though we didn't stay here. The lava came up through vents in the earth over a period of 30 or so years and if covers an area 45 miles long and 2 to 5 miles wide. Very educational.

We always love stopping at Valley of Fires. The views never cease to amaze. Lava flows are not so unusual in these parts, but they aren't all as accessible and quite so beautiful as at this recreation area. No wonder they've set it aside for all to enjoy. Wear good, sturdy shoes. A sun hat and sun glasses are a must. This is true New Mexico!