Sierra Club Guided Hike - Valley of Fires - Malpais

Come join us for a leisurely morning hike enjoying the cool fall weather at the BLM Valley of Fires Recreation Area west of Carrizozo. We'll be exploring one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. It was observed by the Indigenous people who inhabited the Tularosa Basin over 5000 years ago. The Kipuka and Nature Trail are the two trails we'll be hiking on as well as a quick scamper up to the overlook. There is minimal elevation gain and a little less than 3 miles of hiking. Please dress for the cool weather with good supportive footwear. We'll discuss the history and geology of the lava flow. The wildlife is notably melanistic, contrasting sharply with their pale-colored kin in the White Sand dunes to the south.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A $5 ENTRANCE FEE PER VEHICLE OR ANY FEDERAL INTERAGENCY PASS IS VALID ALSO.
No dogs please and is appropriate for participants 18 years and older. Registration is limited to 10 people and RSVP no later than November 5th at www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar

Level - Easy
Location - Valley of Fires Recreation Area west of Carrizozo
Leader - John Pijawka - jastro@windstream.net - 575-937-7422

Note: If carpooling from ABQ/Santa Fe is desired, leader can assist in connecting participants

Additional Directions: From intersection of Hwy 54 & 380 in Carrizozo, proceed 4 miles west on Hwy 380 to the entrance/pay station to the first group shelter on the right. There is plenty of signage on the highway.