Friday, May 5, 2017

New Mexico - El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments

We enjoyed 3 unexpected days in New Mexico and are happy the weather put us in this location.  We're not sure we would have ever stopped by to check out these National Monuments otherwise.

El Malpais National Monument

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook


La Ventana Natural Arch
Lava Falls


Heading into Junction Cave - yes, that's snow!

It was close quarters in some sections and you did have to crawl through

You had to squeeze through this little hole in the gate
If you couldn't make it through this you wouldn't make it far in the cave!


El Calderon Trail - since we spent the winter in the desert we soaked in the beauty of the snow for a few days

Continental Divide Trail


El Morro National Monument





Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave

The floor is ice all year round

Bandera Crater

Tom says I must always go too far!  I don't know what he's talking about!
We've made our way from New Mexico through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas (and a stop at the Hot Springs National Park and Buffalo National River), Tennessee and are now in Kentucky by Mammoth Cave National Park.  Soon heading back to PA!

Til next time...Happy Trails!