By Staff Writer: Caitlin Daugherty
Photo Credit: Caitlin Daugherty; Valley of Fires, Carrizozo New Mexico, Scenic Shot of the Valley of Fires, April 10, 2024
The Valley of Fires in Carrizozo, New Mexico is a great destination for hikers, picnickers, and history enthusiasts alike. With gorgeous scenery and a fascinating geological history, visitors to the Carrizozo area will be enthralled by the natural wonder of The Valley of Fires.
The area centers around the now cool Malpais Lava flow which erupted from the Little Black Peak volcano and filled the Tularosa basin with lava (Gladden, 2018). Walking through this nature trail you can see jagged black rocks everywhere, with yucca plants and other native New Mexican wildlife thriving in the almost barren landscape.
The Valley of Fires has many recreational activities as well, such as hiking, birdwatching, RV camping, and learning about the geological history of the landscape through the interactive signs throughout the nature trail. Along the way you can also visit the town of Carrizozo which in and of itself has interesting history to learn about and explore.