A rough ride through what the Spanish called “El Malpais,” or “the bad country,” the Chain of Craters Back Country Byway will take you on a one-of-a-kind adventure through New Mexico’s volcano country.
A primal terrain formed over half a million years ago by violent magma eruptions, today the El Malpais National Monument offers a first-hand look at these ancient lava flows. Fire up your four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicle and cruise this unpaved route along the Continental Divide. As you make your way along the 33-mile byway, be sure to pull over and take in timeless views of sandstone bluffs rising above the hardened lava. Amidst the cinder cones and broken ridges, you’ll find stands of pine, juniper, and aspen fighting the harsh desert environment. Get a closer look at the area’s magnificent rock formations on one of the many hiking or mountain biking trails located along the byway. During the cooler parts of the day, you may even see antelope, turkey, deer, and other wildlife living in the brushy flats or along several of the trails in the northern area of the byway. Before you embark on your adventure, be sure to visit the BLM website or talk to a local ranger to maximize your experience.
Along with its remarkable scenery, the Chain of Craters Back Country Byway also has an interesting and ancient historical aspect. Over 1,500 years ago, the Anasazi Indians made this area their home, using this same landscape for gathering herbs and medicines. Visit the area in the summer for a ranger-guided tour of some of the more significant sites, including the Zuni-Acoma Trail, a 1,000-year-old route named for the ancient Zuni and Acoma pueblos.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your favorite desert view, satisfy your hunger for adventure with an array of activities limited only by your imagination. Experience the geologic wonder of New Mexico’s lava formations and walk away with a lasting memory of your trip on the Chain of Craters Back Country Byway.
