ttora4runner
Expedition Leader
Took a week off work to head from to Arizona following the substantial completion to relax for a bit before coming back to finish the closeout paperwork. Last year on another trip to Arizona I passed through El Malpais National Monument south of Grant, New Mexico but due to not having the time I couldn't stop to explore the area so I made it a point on this trip to explore it some (COVID-19 put restrictions on some areas). Saturdays plan was to head down to the KOA in Grants New Mexico then drive up to La Mosca Lookout to check out the area (I know a KOA but given the weather conditions I'm glad I got a cabin for this portion of the trip) then spend Sunday exploring El Malpais.
La Mosca Lookout
The lookout is to the right of the towers just hidden by the trees
View from right below the lookout.
The road on the right in the background I explored a little ways after checking out the views from the lookout.
Heading further down the road.
Somewhere behind this tree is a sign.
Figured these was a good time to turn around and head back to the KOA - weather conditions and my map not showing the complete route made the decision for me.
If I return to this area again I'll be camping back in this area since there were no people and some good spots I was able to scout out. The return trip will also include hiking Mt Taylor (the highest point in NW New Mexico) since the upper trail head is just below the switchbacks that lead up to the lookout.
El Malpais National Monument - forthcoming
La Mosca Lookout
The lookout is to the right of the towers just hidden by the trees
View from right below the lookout.
The road on the right in the background I explored a little ways after checking out the views from the lookout.
Heading further down the road.
Somewhere behind this tree is a sign.
Figured these was a good time to turn around and head back to the KOA - weather conditions and my map not showing the complete route made the decision for me.
If I return to this area again I'll be camping back in this area since there were no people and some good spots I was able to scout out. The return trip will also include hiking Mt Taylor (the highest point in NW New Mexico) since the upper trail head is just below the switchbacks that lead up to the lookout.
El Malpais National Monument - forthcoming