Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Explore one of the youngest lava flows in the US, a unique geological wonder with a fascinating nature trail and scenic campsites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid summer heat & flies
Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Best Time
Avoid summer heat & flies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore one of the youngest lava flows in the US, a unique geological wonder with a fascinating nature trail and scenic campsites.
"A REALLY cool spot in the remains of a lava flow, highly recommend the nature walk."
Beat the Flies! 🪰
Visit in cooler months (Oct-Apr) to avoid tiny flies that can be relentless in warmer weather.
Embrace the Desert Sun ☀️
There's no natural shade, so bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 339 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Malpais Nature Trail
Lava Flow
A paved, 3/4-mile loop showcasing fascinating lava formations, wildlife, and plant life. Informative and accessible.
Lava Flow Exploration
Valley of Fires
Walk directly on one of the youngest lava flows in the continental US, a unique geological wonder.
+1
Scenic Campsites
Campground
Enjoy camping with water and electric hookups, covered picnic tables, and stunning views of the malpais and surrounding plains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Comfort
Plan for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Flies! 🪰
Visit in cooler months (Oct-Apr) to avoid tiny flies that can be relentless in warmer weather.
Embrace the Desert Sun ☀️
There's no natural shade, so bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Windy Nights are Fun! 🌬️
Campsites can be windy, especially overnight. Enjoy the unique experience of sleeping through gusts.
Explore Beyond the Trail 🚶♀️
While the paved trail is great, there are opportunities to explore off-trail for a more adventurous experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Flies! 🪰
Visit in cooler months (Oct-Apr) to avoid tiny flies that can be relentless in warmer weather.
Embrace the Desert Sun ☀️
There's no natural shade, so bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Windy Nights are Fun! 🌬️
Campsites can be windy, especially overnight. Enjoy the unique experience of sleeping through gusts.
Explore Beyond the Trail 🚶♀️
While the paved trail is great, there are opportunities to explore off-trail for a more adventurous experience.
Check Dump Station Status ⚠️
Confirm the dump station is operational before your stay, as it may be closed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Valley of Fires for its unique geological formations and the informative nature trail, calling it a 'REALLY cool spot.' The campgrounds are appreciated for their amenities and scenic views, though some note tight turns and a lack of shade. The primary drawback mentioned is the presence of tiny flies during warmer months, leading some to cut their stays short.
"The Valley of Fires Recreation Area is BLM land that includes a nature center, small camping area, picnic pavilions, and more importantly, a paved and accessible walking trail that takes the visitor out into a small portion of the Carrizozo Malpais lava field. The paved path includes about a dozen interpretive signs that speak to the lava field and the ecosystem of the area.
This is a must-see for anyone driving this section of Highway 380. No need to go to Iceland when you can see lava fields here! The shapes and textures are amazing, as are the plants that have managed to grow in this landscape. We completed the Malpais Trail in about 1/2 hour.
The lava fields were created from lava flowing from vents in the valley floor almost 3,000 years ago. Looking at satellite images, the over 40 mile lava flow is visible as a dark gray/ charcoal field next to the rest of the desert landscape."
Dawn J
"Just stayed one night as we passed through but a REALLY cool spot in the remains of a lava flow. Highly recommend the nature walk. Long spots with 50amp/water for our RV and tow. A bit tight to turn in the campground but navigable. It is on the desert so there is no shade."
Wendy Tate
"Beautiful scenery and stunning lava formations. There is a nice paved trail which about 3/4 mile long and takes you through the lava flows with points of interest and descriptions of the wildlife, plants and the lava flow.
Campgrounds were clean. The gazebos were about 50 feet from the RV site which is not ideal.
There is water and electric on most sites. I gave it 4 stars due to the dump being closed and I didn’t see that anywhere on their reservation website. I recommend visiting in the colder months since there are flies in the hotter months. Thousands of tiny little flies flying into your ears, mouth and eyes which were are relentless. We had reservations for two nights but cut it short. That is how bad the little fruit flies were."
jpass12
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Valley of Fires Recreation Area is located near Carrizozo, New Mexico, right off Highway 380. It's easily accessible for big rigs and RVs, making it a convenient stop for cross-country travelers. +1
Yes, it's conveniently located near White Sands National Park, Lincoln National Forest ski areas, and other New Mexico attractions, making it a great base for exploration.
Many visitors arrive via RV or campervan as part of a road trip, enjoying the scenic drives through New Mexico.
The town of Carrizozo is nearby and offers basic amenities. Roswell is also within driving distance for more extensive shopping.
Absolutely! It's a perfect stop for a day trip to explore the lava flows and nature trail, especially if you're traveling along Highway 380.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific fees can vary, many recreation areas managed by the BLM have day-use fees. It's always best to check the official BLM website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
For day use, reservations are typically not required. However, for camping, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons or holidays.
The recreation area is generally open year-round during daylight hours for day use. Campground hours may vary, so confirm with the managing agency.
No special permits are generally required for hiking the designated trails within Valley of Fires Recreation Area.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Valley of Fires Recreation Area, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions include walking the Malpais Nature Trail, exploring the ancient lava flows, camping, and enjoying the unique desert scenery.
This 3/4-mile paved loop trail offers an accessible way to learn about the lava flow, local flora, and fauna. It's informative and visually striking.
Campgrounds offer paved sites with electric and water hookups, covered picnic tables, and grills. Some sites are pull-throughs, suitable for larger RVs.
Unfortunately, there is very little natural shade in the park due to its desert environment. Be prepared for direct sun exposure.
You might spot various desert wildlife, including bats (especially at night when they hunt flies), lizards, and diverse plant life adapted to the arid conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, casting a warm glow on the red rocks and lava formations. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds.
The Malpais Nature Trail provides excellent vantage points of the lava flow. The campground overlooks also offer stunning panoramic views.
Drone usage is typically regulated in national and state parks. Check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for specific drone policies before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the lava fields and landscapes. A tripod can be useful for sunset and sunrise shots.
Photographing the textures of the lava rock, the resilient desert plants, and the expansive desert sky can yield unique and striking images.
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