Fractured Ground Along the Zuni-Acoma Trail
A rugged channel of broken volcanic rock cuts through the high-desert terrain near the Zuni-Acoma Trailhead at El Malpais National Monument. Lichen-covered lava, dry grasses, and junipers surround the fractured ground while a hiker moves along the trail above. The scene highlights both the rough geology and the challenge of crossing this ancient New Mexico lava landscape.
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #ZuniAcomaTrail #VolcanicRock #LavaField #LavaCrevice #Lichen #Juniper #HighDesert #HikingTrail #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
#EngelPhotography #NewMexico #ElMalpais #ZuniAcomaTrail #VolcanicRock #LavaField #LavaCrevice #Lichen #Juniper #HighDesert #HikingTrail #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #SouthwestPhotography #AmericanSouthwest
Photographer
James Engel
Date & Time
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 at 5:30 PM America/Denver
Focal Length
24mm
Shutter Speed
1/125 sec
Aperture
ƒ/11
ISO
160
Location
North America, The United States of America, New Mexico, El Malpais National Monument, Zuni-Acoma Trailhead Area
Keywords
Desert Landscape, Hiking Trail, Juniper, Landscapes & Nature, Lava Field, Lichen, National Park, Panorama, People, Plant, Rock, Volcanic Rock, Johnnie Engel, Sam Engel
Camera
Nikon D850
Approximate Map Location
Latitude: 34.955257
Longitude: -107.942543
Altitude: 2,090.0 meters / 6,857.0 feet
Longitude: -107.942543
Altitude: 2,090.0 meters / 6,857.0 feet