El Malpais National Monument is breathtaking, but it’s not for the faint of heart. At 3,000 years old, this monument holds some of our state’s oldest history, including volcanoes and caves that go deep below the surface. This one hike within the monument might seem easy, but if you’re not careful, you could find yourself stuck in the cracks of old volcanoes. Proceed with caution, but prepare to be amazed by this lava hike.
Welcome to Lava Falls Trail!
Cardinalis/TripAdvisor
At only one mile long, this trail might seem easy, but the terrain is unlike any other hike in the state.
Ad Brod/AllTrails
Most people know that the caves at El Malpais are dangerous, but even aboveground you must exercise caution.
Cardinalis/TripAdvisor
Watch your step! This old lava field is full of cracks in the ground, and some are even big enough to fall through.
Cardinalis/TripAdvisor
Despite being a short hike, this terrain is surprisingly disorienting. The lava is uneven and rough, although a unique ground to hike upon.
April Allison/AllTrails
This is a cairn trail, where large pile of rocks mark the trail. Surprisingly, they can be easy to miss, so make sure to find each one so you don’t get lost.
hounddiggity/Flickr
If you can handle the danger, the lava falls are beautiful as you can see where the surface cracked after the lava cooled. The formations it leaves behind are beautiful.
JerryH9905/TripAdvisor
This New Mexico trail is one you must proceed with caution—you’re walking on volcanic land, after all, but even pictures from afar are beautiful.
jb10okie/Flickr Lava Falls Trail is located inside the El Malpais National Monument in Grants, NM.
Have you walked upon the remains of these volcanoes? Was it scary? Let us know in the comments!
Cardinalis/TripAdvisor
Ad Brod/AllTrails
April Allison/AllTrails
hounddiggity/Flickr
JerryH9905/TripAdvisor
jb10okie/Flickr
Lava Falls Trail is located inside the El Malpais National Monument in Grants, NM.
Looking for more scary trails? These 7 hikes in New Mexico are not for the faint of heart.
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