El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais, commonly pronounced as el-mall-pie-EES, is Spanish for "the badlands". This national monument offers a broad spectrum of geological features that provide the backdrop for the more recent plant, animal, and human histories. The following are just a few examples of what El Malpais National Monument has to offer.

Sandstone Bluffs

It was equal parts interesting and entertaining to walk across the top of these 200-million-year-old formations while taking in the view of the lava flow landscape below.

View along the Face of the Bluffs

I Was Able to Walk and (a few times) Clamber over the Top of the Bluffs

Flat Portion atop the Bluffs
(notice the pools of collected rainwater)

Wedge of Rock Projects out from the Face of the Bluffs

Lava Flows
(dark patches are exposed lava rock; the rest is plant life growing atop the lava)

Rocks and Boulders Collect on Ledges

Wind, Rain, and Snow Shape the Sandstone atop the Bluffs

Juniper Tree Rooted in the Sandstone

Zuni-Alcoma Trail

I followed a section of this path that was used by humans for at least 1,000 years. It began on dirt and sandy soil before crossing over lava flows. I appreciated the opportunity to see up close and touch these geological marvels.

Jagged Rocks Rise from the Mesa Floor

Side of the Lava Flow

View while I Walk atop the Lava Flow

Swirled Ropes of Lava

Jagged Edges

Reminded Me of Broccoli Heads

Dome of Lava Collapsed

Hedgehog Cactuses Grow in the Lava Rock

Twisted Trunk of a Western Ponderosa Pine

La Ventana Natural Arch

La Ventana Natural Arch is composed mostly of Jurassic Zuni Sandstone that formed as a part of a vast desert about 160 million years ago. It spans 135 feet and is 25 feet thick at the thinnest point. La Ventana is Spanish for "the window".