El Malpaís

(Grants NM)
El Malpaís (The Badlands) National Monument, where a vast 2,500 years old lava flow of 17 miles abuts sandstone formations and mountain forests, provided a variety of landscape vistas.

Large bluff with valley beyond

El Malpaís Sandstone Bluffs

A short drive on a gravel road took me to Sandstone Bluff rock formations. On one side you can walk along the base, but the other side was a sheer cliff. From the top, there was an expansive view of the lava beds.

Large rocks against the sky

Sandstone Boulders

Tall rock with lava flow beyond

Pillar overlooking Lava Beds

One of the largest natural arches in New Mexico, La Ventana was easily accessible from the parking lot. The surrounding massive cliffs were also an impressive sight.

Rock arch in side of cliff

La Ventana Arch

Sun hitting side of cliff wall

Canyon next to Arch

Passed by the Lava Falls (should be lava flows) which was an extensive field of lava and caverns. Skipped it because I did that when at Valley of Fires. I stopped for lunch at the South Narrows picnic area which provided a nice view of some cliffs.

Trees atop a rock cliff

Cliffs in the Narrows

Cliff with trees at the base

South Narrows Picnic Area

My exploration of the badlands was on the eastern edge, along NM-117. The western side holds other features that remain to be discovered at another time.

(Pie Town NM)
I stopped to sample the made fresh daily famous pie at Pie-o-neer Café. Had a slice of the New Mexico Apple, which included chile and I think pine nuts, along with a glass of milk. Yummy! Stayed overnight for free at the town campground across the street which had nicely separated sites amongst piñon pine trees.

Camp: Jackson Park CG
Scene: Cliffs, arch, lava

4 Responses to El Malpaís

  1. Wally & Brenda November 17, 2014 at 5:40 pm #

    Hi David, we just
    Checked out you new blog. We like the boulders & deep blue sky in the pictures. Sounds like you had good pie & good camp. We have I pad now, so we can check your blog while using wifi @ nursing facility.

    • Pleinguy November 18, 2014 at 5:53 pm #

      Thanks for commenting. Glad you liked the pix; those rocks are something to behold. The pie was great and I’m enjoying the camping. iPad is a great way to follow the blog.

  2. Dragonfly November 19, 2014 at 2:15 pm #

    More food for the soul. Wish I was there.

    • Pleinguy November 20, 2014 at 12:42 pm #

      Nice way of expressing it. It is indeed good for one’s spirit.

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