Valley of Fires Recreation Area

A campsite at the Valley of Fires.

Visitors pitch a tent in the pinyon-studded Valley of Fires.

The park has several new facilities.

The Valley of Fires is among the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. The lava surface covers 125 square miles, much of it rough and pitted terrain.

Early Spanish explorers called the area "malpais" or "badlands."

Plant life flourishes in the lava's crevices, including many species of yucca, juniper, native grasses and fern grottos. Bird life is varied and unusual within the Rio Grand Flyway.

Many species of rodents and reptiles here have developed abnormally dark coloration, called melanism, for camouflage against the dark lava.

The recreation area offers excellent, though rugged, hiking trails, including a one-mile trail with interpretive displays through the lava flow.

Recently, the area received numerous renovations. The park's roads are now paved throughout, and there are new shower facilities and vault-style restrooms in key areas. There are also 25 camp and picnic sites, and 16 have water and electric hook-ups.

Two new group shelters are located at the park's north entrance and at the south end of the park.

Backcountry camping is permitted.

The site is located four miles west of Carrizozo off U.S. 380.