Valley of Fires Recreation Area
Valley of Fires Recreation Area
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
245 reviews
Excellent
133
Very good
92
Average
19
Poor
1
Terrible
0
K.is.for.Krisi
Dallas, TX250 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
I had low expectations for our Ruidoso-based trip but ended up with a desire to return next year given the beautiful & varied geography around the area. We enjoyed a picturesque picnic each day with one being at the Valley of Fires Recreation Area, which had covered tables, in-ground BBQ pits and a bathroom (closed due to COVID). The weather was perfect (70ish). If we didn’t have other things to see and do that day we would have stayed to walk the paved pathway. We will make time for this next time. Our son isn’t yet walking so we explored a little with him in his carrier. There were signs for rattlesnake warnings so something to keep in mind if you have young children who are able to walk.
Written February 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raven
Albuquerque, NM3 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
This was my second time here, the first having been just a quick stop on the road. I was so impressed by the formations and texture compared to other lava flow parks that I came back specifically to hike, take photos, and do some geocaching.
I absolutely love the flows here! The color and intensity of the rock, the caves, the sunsets, all beautiful! I'll definitely be back to camp and do some sketches soon.
I absolutely love the flows here! The color and intensity of the rock, the caves, the sunsets, all beautiful! I'll definitely be back to camp and do some sketches soon.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill B
Box Elder, SD189 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The campground is in a beautiful spot. We drove through to see if we wanted to camp. We saw it had a visitor center/book store, we were intrigued. But it was closed so we couldn’t get information. 🙄
Later in the week we returned to enjoy the park anyway….The paved walking trail was easy to navigate. It had some faded info signs to read as you went. They also had #’s that you can use to learn more…some how. If the visitor center/book store was opened then I would of known more info & probably enjoyed the park more…Or… I could of bought a few souvenirs to bring home. They have a camp host there but…. They are very cut off from you ass well with some uninviting wall around them cutting you off from any kind of communications. It’s not worth the money for the day use of the park at least in my opinion.
Later in the week we returned to enjoy the park anyway….The paved walking trail was easy to navigate. It had some faded info signs to read as you went. They also had #’s that you can use to learn more…some how. If the visitor center/book store was opened then I would of known more info & probably enjoyed the park more…Or… I could of bought a few souvenirs to bring home. They have a camp host there but…. They are very cut off from you ass well with some uninviting wall around them cutting you off from any kind of communications. It’s not worth the money for the day use of the park at least in my opinion.
Written October 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra A
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Amazing fun!! It’s a must see for your kids and family. Reminder that we are small and God is the best artist there is. Thank all the state staff, for the love and time giving this gift to the masses. Grateful
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN938 contributions
Jun 2021
We stopped here while driving from white sands national park to Albuquerque. The entrance fee is $5, pay it yourself. Plenty of parking. We walked the 1 mile paved loop trail. It was very interesting to see lava and many plants. I visited here in June, there were many cactus flowers. A very beautiful park.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Albuquerque, NM365 contributions
Oct 2020
We made a quick pit stop at the Valley of Fires on our return drive from Ruidoso to Albuquerque. The whole place is so out-of-this world.
We didn't have time to do the trail, but could view it from the lookout point. Because of the heat, I would go in the morning or evening, if it's open.
Note: The bathrooms had a code on them. We had no idea what it was.
Very unique and worth the stop!
We didn't have time to do the trail, but could view it from the lookout point. Because of the heat, I would go in the morning or evening, if it's open.
Note: The bathrooms had a code on them. We had no idea what it was.
Very unique and worth the stop!
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MikeB1952
Santa Fe, NM1,072 contributions
Apr 2023
Another Rand McNally Map discovery! While looking at our route back home, there were in teeny-tiny red letters “Valley of Fires National Recreation Area”. Hmm, wondered what could be there. A playground? Nope. A lake with fishing? Nope. A miniature golf course? Nope. A lava flow. Bingo! Got it. Doesn’t fit the idea of a recreation area. But does fit us.
Actually quite interesting. There north of the tiny hamlet of Carrizozo is a fairly recent (only 5,000 years ago) lava flow that poured out of a crack in the earth and laid down a path of molten lava 40 – 60 miles long and four to six miles wide. Oh and up to 160 feet deep. Hard to believe that there could be native peoples who actually witnessed the lava flow. There’s another more recent lava flow near Grants by 1-40.
The BLM has done another wonderful job with the site. The lava flow looks like it could be decades old. Not centuries old. It’s rough. And rocky (duh). BLM has created a concrete walkway through part of it with interpretive signs explaining the lava flow formation and its evolution. It now has plants clinging to life and actually thriving. Along with the walk is a brochure with numbered stops with additional explanations. We spent an hour or so walking the trail and amazing at the lava flows. Some look so recent.
An amazing place.
Actually quite interesting. There north of the tiny hamlet of Carrizozo is a fairly recent (only 5,000 years ago) lava flow that poured out of a crack in the earth and laid down a path of molten lava 40 – 60 miles long and four to six miles wide. Oh and up to 160 feet deep. Hard to believe that there could be native peoples who actually witnessed the lava flow. There’s another more recent lava flow near Grants by 1-40.
The BLM has done another wonderful job with the site. The lava flow looks like it could be decades old. Not centuries old. It’s rough. And rocky (duh). BLM has created a concrete walkway through part of it with interpretive signs explaining the lava flow formation and its evolution. It now has plants clinging to life and actually thriving. Along with the walk is a brochure with numbered stops with additional explanations. We spent an hour or so walking the trail and amazing at the lava flows. Some look so recent.
An amazing place.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS996 contributions
Feb 2022
This is out away from populated areas & is wonderful. It is very scenic with an easy paved hiking trail through a lava field. There are several camp sites that offer a relaxing place to camp & the site has all of the amenities that campers need.
Written March 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdsm77
Tucson, AZ406 contributions
Sep 2022
Got there about 4PM and the visitor center was already closed. I drove around through the campground then parked and walked on the nature trail. It was pretty cool. You're actually allowed to walk out on the lava if you wish. Restrooms were very nice.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PhyllisFP
Baltimore, MD223 contributions
Oct 2021
Easy, paved trail (handicap accessible). Informative trail stops are worth checking out, providing background on the lava formations, plant life, etc. We were there in the morning late October and mostly had the place to ourselves besides the RVs parked at the top. Saw lizards, grasshoppers and a tarantula. Also interesting because it's the newest lava flow in the continental U.S. This would be a star attraction out East but in New Mexico it's just another thing.
Ranger station is across the road from the trail.
Ranger station is across the road from the trail.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin F
Gladstone1 contribution
I read in a review written 3 months ago that the water is turned off for 3 months. We are interested in coming there today with our trailer and would like to know, is the water turned on now?
Kate G
Alamogordo, NM165 contributions
I was there 2 weeks ago and the water was on. They probably turn it off in winter to keep it from freezing.
Melvin B
Pueblo, CO
Can you make reservations for a R.V. campsite?
mosaiclover
minneapolis138 contributions
No. First come first served.
rem7emmi
Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark2 contributions
How far away is the Valley of Fires from the Trinity site? The Trinity site is open in a few weeks and some friends and I were trying to decide if going to the Valley of Fires the night before is worth it. We are all living/working in las cruces if that makes a difference.
RADARSHE
Tolland, CT330 contributions
Go online to get some info from the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce or the White Sands Missile Range.
Here is a good place to start for info and a telephone number. I believe the ride out to the site leaves from Tularosa Middle School. It is nearly a 2 hour ride each way. Have a full take of gas and refreshments as none of that exist on the route. I think ideally you could hit Valley of the Fires late in the afternoon as dusk approaches. It will start to cool off then and you will have the best chance to see animals and other things slithering and crawling around. Head down to Alamogordo to spend the night in a hotel - Carrizozo might also work. You also might be able to drive to the Trinity Site first from Cruces and visit Valley after, again later in the day. This actually might make more sense.
Best,
Badger
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Valley of Fires Recreation Area Information
Excellent Reviews | 133 |
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Very Good Reviews | 92 |
Valley of Fires Recreation Area Photos | 251 |