El Malpais National Monument

Just an hour away from Albuquerque is El Malpais National Monument. We saw the La Ventana Arch, the biggest freestanding arch in New Mexico. The walk in to see the arch was short, just 1/4 mile each way. Close by, Lava Falls Trail is a 1.1 mile easy to moderate trail over black lava bed. Bring lots of water, it can get hot. We had a simple picnic on the trail. There are no picnic tables, just a rugged terrain for a quick stand-up bite. The Continental Divide also runs through this area if you'd like to marvel at the wonders of the CD. There are many other volcanic features with longer hikes available as well.

View from the Top of Sandstone Bluff over a Sea of Lava, El Malpais NM, NM