| Valley of Fires Recreation Area is adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow. About 1,500 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted. Propelled by immeasurable force, lava flowed south into the Tularosa Basin, filling the valley with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide and more than 160 feet thick. The Malpais Lava Flow is the youngest such formation in the continental United States.Valley of Fires has 19 campsites with picnic shelters, tables, grills and water. RV electrical hookups are available at 14 sites. Two of the sites are wheelchair accessible as are the restrooms. Tent camping sites are available and there is an RV dump station.Hikers can enjoy the Malpais Nature Trail and take a closer look at the variety of plants and animals adapted to this harsh environment. The trail is paved, has a guide brochure and approximately one-third of the trail is wheelchair accessible.The Valley of Fires Visitor Center has books, postcards, t-shirts, and information about public lands in New Mexico. Book titles range from geology to the history of the area to travel guides to plant and animal identification. Gifts are also available. |
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