All tagged Cave

El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais National Monument

Taylor Cramer
New Mexico, National Monument

A vast volcanic expanse covering the western New Mexican countryside. Thousands of years ago, as recently as three thousand years ago, lava poured out of a number of cinder cones south of Grants, New Mexico. The lava cooled into rough black basalt that remains a scar on the area. Whether you enjoy a relaxing scenic drive, a hike amongst ancient lava flows and cinder cones, or dark adventures through lengthy lava tubes there is something for you at El Malpais.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Taylor Cramer
National Park, New Mexico

Sulfuric acid from petroleum deposits deep underground aggressively eroded the ancient fossilized reef, built in the Delaware Sea by sponges and algae more than 250 million years ago, leaving behind the gigantic caverns contained within the park. An enormous variety of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites cover the caverns’ floors and ceilings.