Life, food, events, and community in Albuquerque, NM

Where Sharp Lava Meets Smooth Sandstone

The El Malpais is spanish for badlands. But this vast national monument, just 70 miles west of Albuquerque, isn't anything close to "bad land." Where else in New Mexico can you find the following: Zuni - Acoma Trail, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, La Ventana Natural Arch, The Narrows, Lava Falls Area, Cebolla Wilderness, El Calderon Area, Big Tubes Area, Chain of Craters, Continental Divide Trail, West Malpais Wilderness, Bandera Ice Caves and El Morro?

On this particular day, we wanted to do the "big loop" around the El Malpais National Monument and see new country.

We headed out of Albuquerque heading west on I-40. About 70 miles later we came to Exit 89 where we connected with State Highway 117 and started heading south. Our first stop was at the El Malpais Ranger Station. On many of my New Mexico adventures, I have made a point to stop at these wonderful stations. They have maps, books and all sorts of valuable information for explorers like us. And all of the rangers I've spoken to are friendly and very helpful.

Just a few short miles down the road from the ranger station was the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook.

You could probably stay all day at the Bluffs and have one hell of a day trip. It's got nooks and crannies along with stunning vistas of the badlands. However, since our goal was to make a big loop we left and continued south on 117. We drove past Cebollita Canyon on our way to La Ventana Natural Arch.

We've been to La Ventana before but we never get bored with this gorgeous sandstone arch.

As we headed south of La Ventana we went through "the Narrows." Highway 117 squeeks through a gap between the El Malpais lava flow and 500 foot sandstone cliffs. There really wasn't a good place to pull over so, we weren't able to get a photo of the area. But it's a very nice drive that leads you into more open country called North Pasture.

Eventually, Highway 117 climbs out of the North Pasture into North Plains and leaves the lava flow behind. The North Plains is essentially windy and open cattle country bordered by a few mountain ranges. We stayed on Highway 117 until it intersected with State Highway 36 about 20 miles east of Fence Lake. We cruised through more cattle country on our way to Fence Lake.

Fence Lake isn't much of a going concern but it marked the point where Highway 36 changed direction and climbed north into Zuni-Land.

After climbing and climbing, for over 32 miles, we found State Highway 53 - the ancient way. From there we headed east on 53 past El Morro.

After El Morro, Highway 53 climbs to meet the Continental Divide (7882 feet) and then descends towards the eastern edge of the El Malpais lava flow. At one point we could see the sandstone cliffs of the bluff overlook that we had visited earlier that day. Highway 53 takes you right into Grants were you can reluctantly get back onto I-40 and head home to Albuquerque.

As you leave Grants and head home the Sandia and Manzano ranges come into view and help guide you into the Duke City like a pair of lighthouses. We started our descent into Albuquerque, just after twilight, and thought about how lucky we were to live in such a wonderful city that gives us access to so many national treasures.

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Comment by magoo on September 24, 2009 at 10:41pm: Awesome post & great pictures, Doug!!! I love the El Malpais area, one of the prettiest areas in the state.

Comment by Doug R on September 25, 2009 at 7:28am: I love it too. And I've just begun to scratch the surface of things to do out there. I'll be back for sure.

Comment by slamwagon on September 25, 2009 at 8:17am: Another great post! Maybe you're a transplant worth keeping around. ;)

Comment by Doug R on September 25, 2009 at 9:11am: Don't forget, I was born in Santa Fe and raised in ABQ until I was 16. Then I left for the promise-land west of town. I like to think that I never lost it - ha ha. I'm just coming back to my roots (down to my boots).

Comment by Lee on September 25, 2009 at 10:26am: Great pictures...I guess the rain has greened things up out there... just beautiful
Sounds like you are a guy who likes road trips...My wife and I last monday went up to the dixon apple orchard (I swear these are the best apples I have ever had in my life) just past cochiti lake. Since you were born here you may/probably already know about it.. but it's a very pleasant way to spend the morning, pretty little valley, friendly people, great apple fritters and hot coffee...and you can go hike up through tent rocks (maybe 20 minutes away ?) to work off the apple fritters.
If you go...go early.. dixon apples will only be selling apples and open to the public for a couple more weeks.

Comment by Doug R on September 25, 2009 at 10:48am: Lee - it did look alot greener out there this time. Our last trip was early March of this year.

I have to admit that my wife and I are road trip junkies. I think it's because the way we were raised (showing our ages now?). Our families used to take Sunday drives and we drove to other states rather than flying. I love to fly but it can't beat the feel of tires on pavement, dirt or gravel.

One other thing too, for us, we moved to our dream vacation destination - the Four Corners region. I may not see all of the rest of the world but I'll know every nook and cranny of my world out here. At least that's the plan (ha ha).

Comment by Lee on September 25, 2009 at 12:31pm: I know just what you mean...my wife and I love road trips too... There's something special about not having to rush to catch anything... bring along some sandwiches, eat at any pretty spot on off the road, no rush at all.

Keep us up to date with your trips... great pictures, always fun to look at.

Comment by Doug R on September 25, 2009 at 1:13pm: The season is coming to a close but I have a three day trip to Northern Arizona coming up in late October. That might be my last adventure of the year but.........(ha ha). So many of my other trips have been spur of the moment adventures.

Comment by Dan M on September 26, 2009 at 6:09pm: wonderful post! I remember traveling here with the family many years ago on a weekend trip. I hope to return one day, I forgot how beautiful this area is.

Comment by slamwagon on September 28, 2009 at 8:18am: @ Doug... you're right, I owe you an apology. I suppose you're still worth keeping around. :)

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