Cairned one-mile loop across the young McCartys lava flow in El Malpais National Monument — ropy pāhoehoe, ‘a‘ā, squeeze-ups, pressure ridges, and a short spur into a natural lava amphitheater. One of the most accessible places to walk the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field without a long desert approach.
Field facts
| Region | Cibola County, NM |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.7367, -107.9758 |
| Feature | McCartys flow / cairned loop |
| Trail | ~1 mi loop + spur |
| Agency | NPS El Malpais NM |
| Nearby | Sandstone Bluffs / La Ventana / NM-117 |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Rec areaCanyons Wilderness Study Area4.8 km away
- ParkingHomestead Canyon Parking6.2 km away
- TrailheadHomestead Canyon Trailhead6.2 km away
- TrailheadLobo Canyon Trailhead7.1 km away
- Rec areaCebolla Wilderness Area7.4 km away
- Point of interestThe Dittert Site8.6 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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