Valley Of Fires Recreation Area park
Valley Of Fires Recreation Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Volcanic Landscapes: Valley of Fires is situated on the site of ancient lava flows from the Carrizozo Volcano. The area provides an opportunity to witness the fascinating volcanic history of New Mexico and explore its diverse landscapes.
2. Hiking and Nature Trails: The recreation area offers several well-maintained trails that wind through the lava fields, allowing visitors to hike and explore the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this environment.
3. Camping and Picnicking: Valley of Fires provides campsites and picnic areas for visitors seeking to have a more immersive experience surrounded by the volcanic landscapes.
4. Wildlife Watching: The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, and numerous bird species, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Points of Interest:
1. Malpais Nature Trail: This one-mile loop trail offers interpretive signs providing insights into the volcanic history and the plant and animal life that thrive in the area.
2. Carrizozo Malpais Visitor Center: Located at the entrance of Valley of Fires, this visitor center offers exhibits, information, and educational programs about the geology, history, and wildlife of the region.
3. Dark Skies: The recreation area has minimal light pollution, making it an ideal place for stargazing and astrophotography.
Interesting Facts:
1. The Carrizozo Volcano erupted over 5,000 years ago, covering an area of approximately 125 square miles with lava flows.
2. The lava flow at Valley of Fires is estimated to be about 5,000 years old and extends for approximately five miles.
3. The lava flow appears black during the day due to its basaltic composition, which is rich in iron.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Valley of Fires Recreation Area is during the spring and fall seasons when the temperatures are mild. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching over 90°F (32°C), while winters can be chilly, with occasional snowfall. It is advisable to check local weather conditions and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
While the information provided here is accurate based on multiple independent sources, it is always recommended to further verify details and plan your visit according to the most up-to-date information from official sources or visitor centers.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Valley Of Fires Recreation Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three Rivers Petroglyph National Rec Site | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Three Rivers Campground | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Three Rivers | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Valley Of Fires | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| South Fork | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Westlake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Valley Of Fires Recreation Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Valley Of Fires Recreation Area
What can I do at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Valley Of Fires Recreation Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Valley Of Fires Recreation Area.