A Refreshing Break in a Lava Field?Valley of Fires Recreational Area, Carrizozo, NMBy Larry Tobin One of the greatest pleasures of RV camping with kids is the discovery of relatively unknown sites. The Valley of Fires Recreation Area, outside Carrizozo, New Mexico is a campground that perfectly fits the description of a little-known yet fabulous camping location.
Valley of Fires a year-round favorite of mine—and will be one of yours, too, once you experience its unique beauty.  Located in the middle of a lava flow area just 4 miles west of Carrizozo, New Mexico on NM 380, this recreation is truly a deceptive treat. Driving along the highway, the majority of the RV sites appear so near to the highway they hardly seem worth the time to make the turn and drive the quarter of a mile to visit. But this one does. Here you can experience a quiet, remote and beautiful area with the best sunsets and sunrises that southern New Mexico has to offer. Valley of Fires has all the serenity an adult could seek, and a wonderful opportunity for a child to explore the life that exists just below the surface of a lava flow.
 Carrizozo forms the intersection of NM 380. from Socorro eastward to Lincoln National Forest, and US 54 that connects El Paso, Texas north to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. As such, the Valley of Fires Recreation is a pleasant side-trip diversion along two occasionally tedious stretches of highway. (Administered by the BLM, electric sites run $18 a night, with a $3 day pass.) While stopping in a lava flow for a refreshing afternoon break or camping along these highways may seem only a cruel joke, that is exactly what you’ll discover! And if you take the time to hike the trail or spend the night, I promise you’ll return again and again.
 The black lava flow that fills this end of the Tularosa basin (White Sands fills the other end—how’s that for contrast!) extends 45 miles from the volcano just north of the recreation that is easily visible from the campground. Blanketing the basin with lava 40-50 yards thick, this Malpais (Spanish for “badlands”) is a unique ecosystem with a greater diversity of animals and plants than you might imagine.  As one of the youngest lava flows in the United States, 1500 to 2000 years old, it offers the sharp definition of a “new” flow together with the diversity of growth of grasses and cactuses that bring new beauty to what would otherwise be a totally barren topography.
 After selecting one of the RV sites (full-hooks are available with beautiful bathroom facilities and showers) you can begin your exploration climbing to the hill top located in the middle of the park to survey the surroundings. Kids will enjoy this brief climb and the telescope atop to bring closer the views of White Sands Recreation Area, the snow-covered Sierra Blanca Peak near Ruidoso, the full expanse of the Tularosa basin, and the Little Black Peak volcano from which the lava flowed from the north.
 After this overview of the area, it’s time to consider the ¾ mile nature hike into the heart of the lava flow to the west. I say “consider” because you will want to choose the time of day according to temperature. In winter, of course, this is a pleasant hike even during midday. In summer, you might want to save it for an evening or morning hike, depending upon your tolerance for the mid-day heat. (However, as it is conveniently located immediately adjacent to the campground, you are never so distant that you couldn’t reach shelter within just minutes, or call for help, should any emergency ever arise.)
 Along this trail are numerous information stops describing the plants and animals of the area. The information plaques are very kid-friendly, making a game of matching seeds to plants, identifying animals by footprints, etc. Resident animals include cottontails, bats, quail, roadrunners, buzzards, cactus wren and golden eagles. The flora is that typical of the Chihuahuan desert, such as desert flowers, cacti, and juniper including one believed to be 400 years old!
 Though the trail is well-marked, and there is little danger of a child wandering off, the intriguing caves may tempt your child to find a better view just off the trail. The jagged rocks are not only tough on shoes, but any fall upon this lava, even just to your knees, will result in cuts and scrapes unlike any other surface on earth. With this in mind, I’d certainly suggest you closely accompany any child, and particularly the young or overly adventurous child, as a tumble to the bottom of even a five-foot drop could result serious injury! Much of the trail, incidentally, is wheelchair accessible, an added bonus.
For safer hiking, the road through the camp ground continues to a lower tent camping area and close up views to the lava as well. There is also a fire-pit that the very friendly hosts maintain at the lower east end of the road that everyone is welcome to enjoy as well. The true beauty of this site, as in any desert locale, is seen at sunset and sunrise. These times bring out the best color in the surrounding hills, and create interesting shadow play across the lava. Keep your camera handy, especially if there are clouds on the horizon at sunset.  And oddly, don’t be surprised if you are the only campers enjoying this spectacular beauty in winter, even on a weekend. Though there will be more campers in summer, you won’t have a crowded feeling. It’s just a little-known site--the other true beauty you’ll discover here.
Final note regarding children: this is a place of subtle enjoyment. There are no playgrounds, or other structured activities other than the visitor’s center. Besides taking walks, enjoying a campfire, cooking dinner, and watching stars you might want to bring along any other entertainment your children may require to allow you a few moments to just breathe in the beauty and serenity that only camping in a lava flow in the middle of a remote southern New Mexico can afford. I promise it will become a favorite of yours, just as it is one of mine. Note: Open year round. 5,250 feet elevation. Hot in summer, windy in winter. Visitor center with books and gifts. 20 campsites with shelter, table, grill and water available. 14 electric hookups. Handicapped-accessible bathrooms, with flush toilets and showers. Dump station. Food, gas and amenities 4 miles away in Carrizozo. Valley of Fires
Bureau of Land Management
Roswell Field Office
2909 W. Second Ave
Roswell, NM
Email: stephen@plia.org
505-627-0272 |
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