Path Through the Volcanic High Desert
A paved path winds through the rugged volcanic landscape of El Malpais, bordered by dark lava rock, golden grasses, and hardy high-desert shrubs. In the distance, broad mesas and low mountains sit beneath a dramatic late-afternoon sky, while the visitor center edges into view at the right. The scene blends the stark geology of northwestern New Mexico with the quiet openness of the surrounding desert.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #HighDesert #VolcanicLandscape #LavaField #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #HikingTrail #Mesa #MountainLandscape #StormClouds #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #HighDesert #VolcanicLandscape #LavaField #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #HikingTrail #Mesa #MountainLandscape #StormClouds #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 4:48 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
28mm
Shutter Speed
1/125 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
Architecture, Building, Desert Landscape, Hiking Trail, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Mountain Landscape, National Park, Rock, Volcanic Rock
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 35.118599
Longitude: -107.828461
Altitude: 2,008.0 meters / 6,587.9 feet
Longitude: -107.828461
Altitude: 2,008.0 meters / 6,587.9 feet