Lava and Grass Beneath a Gathering Storm
Dark volcanic rock rises through golden high-desert grasses beneath a broad, unsettled New Mexico sky. Beyond the foreground, open scrubland stretches toward distant mesas while a pale trail curves quietly through the rugged terrain. The contrast between weathered lava, dry vegetation, and approaching storm clouds captures the stark character of the El Malpais landscape.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #HighDesert #VolcanicLandscape #LavaField #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #StormClouds #DramaticSky #Mesa #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest #DesertScenery
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #HighDesert #VolcanicLandscape #LavaField #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #StormClouds #DramaticSky #Mesa #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest #DesertScenery
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 4:46 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
28mm
Shutter Speed
1/80 sec
Aperture
ƒ/11
ISO
64
Location
North America, The United States of America, New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument, Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center
Keywords
Desert Landscape, Hiking Trail, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Mountain Landscape, National Park, Rock, Volcanic Rock
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 35.11861
Longitude: -107.828728
Altitude: 2,006.0 meters / 6,581.4 feet
Longitude: -107.828728
Altitude: 2,006.0 meters / 6,581.4 feet