Tour the valley of fires geological formation and focus on the desert adaptations of plants and animals living in this extreme ecosystem during winter time conditions. You will experience the evolutionary and ecological significance of the area. The tour will highlight winter adaptations of life in our region of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert at this unique site that best exemplifies the extreme adaptations required to live in our dynamic desert.

“The fully accessible Malpais Nature Trail with interpretive displays starts at the group shelter and leads the visitor into the lava flow. The trail is paved and has a guide brochure.” NSPL-BLM site(https://www.blm.gov/visit/valley-of-fires). This trail is only about a mile long, and will be the less strenuous part of the hike that has a nearby visitor center.

Learning Goals:

• Focus on learning what winter adaptations life uses during this extreme season that is experienced that is unique to this region of the Northern Chihuahuan Desert

• Make ecological connections between the valley of fire and nearby white sands

• Understand the geological differences and connections between the two ecotones

• Realize the evolutionary significance of the two areas and how they are prime research areas as well as being national treasures that are surprisingly close to one another.

Plan to meet at the site by 10:00 AM. Leave El Paso no later than 7:30 AM. To carpool and caravan meet in the Transmountain Lowe’s parking lot just across the street from the Taco Bell.

The hike will begin right after meeting near the visitor center where we park. There is a handicap accessible trail that is a 1-2 difficulty level out of 10. This will be more for families and strollers/wheelchairs that the only difficult part would be the 1 mile long distance of the paved trail.

Wear hiking boots with a good grip, a hat and/or sunglasses. Bring water. Wear warm clothes. Bring a light snack. You might also want to gring binoculars, a camera or smartphone, and a magnifying glass. Rain is not typical this time of year, but be prepared by bringing an umbrella or pancho. All pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. There is a fee of $5.00 per vehicle or $3.00 per vehicle with a single occupant. Cash only.

Phone numbers: 575-648-2241, 575-840-6243

Address : Valley of Fires Recreation Area Latitude / Longitude: 33.68226167, -105.9224303
P.O. Box 871 Carrizozo, NM 88301

Directions: Four miles west of the Town of Carrizozo on highway US-380.

“Valley of Fires recreation area is located immediately adjacent to the Malpais Lava Flow. Approximately 5,000 years ago, Little Black Peak erupted and flowed 44 miles into the Tularosa Basin, filling the basin with molten rock. The resulting lava flow is four to six miles wide, 160 feet thick and covers 125 square miles. The lava flow is considered to be one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States.”-NSPL-BLM site

Directions from northeast side of El Paso (about 2-2.5 hours about 135 miles)

For more information, contact your guide, William Lukefahr. Email: wlukefahr@gmail.com Cell phone: (915)540-6008

If you would like to dine after your visit to the Valley of Fires, COM recommends Casa de Suenos in Tularosa. (MAP) Check out their MENU.

Carrizozo, the Valley of Fires, Winter Desert Hike