Rift Through the Ancient Lava
A deep fracture slices through weathered volcanic rock at El Malpais National Monument, revealing the broken structure of an ancient lava field. Pale lichens cling to the rugged stone while junipers and high-desert vegetation spread across the surrounding terrain. Beneath a dramatic New Mexico sky, the scene highlights the raw geology and enduring character of the volcanic landscape near the Zuni-Acoma Trailhead.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #VolcanicRock #LavaField #LavaCrevice #VolcanicLandscape #HighDesert #Lichen #Juniper #Geology #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #VolcanicRock #LavaField #LavaCrevice #VolcanicLandscape #HighDesert #Lichen #Juniper #Geology #DesertLandscape #LandscapePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 5:20 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
28mm
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, Juniper, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Lichen, National Park, Panorama, Plant, Rock, Volcanic Rock
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 34.955917
Longitude: -107.942711
Altitude: 2,119.0 meters / 6,952.1 feet
Longitude: -107.942711
Altitude: 2,119.0 meters / 6,952.1 feet