Lichen Across the Ancient Lava
Rugged blocks of ancient lava fill the landscape at El Malpais National Monument, their porous surfaces softened by patches of pale green and orange lichen. Deep fractures weave between the weathered volcanic rocks while hardy junipers rise from the surrounding high desert. This close view reveals how life slowly takes hold across one of New Mexico’s stark volcanic landscapes.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #VolcanicRock #LavaField #VolcanicLandscape #Lichen #Geology #RockFormation #HighDesert #Juniper #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #VolcanicRock #LavaField #VolcanicLandscape #Lichen #Geology #RockFormation #HighDesert #Juniper #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 5:18 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
26mm
Shutter Speed
1/125 sec
Aperture
ƒ/3.8
ISO
80
Location
North America, The United States of America, New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead Area
Keywords
Desert Landscape, Hiking Trail, Juniper, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Lichen, National Park, Plant, Rock, Volcanic Rock
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 34.955925
Longitude: -107.942726
Altitude: 2,129.0 meters / 6,984.9 feet
Longitude: -107.942726
Altitude: 2,129.0 meters / 6,984.9 feet