El Malpais Tour February 4, 2011

Looking for an adventure? UNM Continuing Education invites you to discover the The El Malpais National Monument near Grants. This is a remarkable and important volcanic area that contains the youngest basalt flow in the continental US. In spite of its unfortunate name of Badlands, it is not all basalt and is in fact a beautiful area of towering sandstone cliffs and green trees all year. This tour stays on Rt 117 on the east side of the basalt. We will stop at the BLM visitor center for information and at Sandstone Bluff for a panoramic view and history of the volcanics. Further along is a stop at Ventana Arch for photos and then lunch outdoors at The Narrows. A short hike up part of the Narrows trail is optional if time permits. Then we continue on to the Lava Falls, a one mile or less, loop walk on a relatively smooth part of the youngest flow. Bring your camera, wear hiking boots, jacket as appropriate and carry water. Fee includes guide, transportation, box lunch, granola bars and water. Tour guide Dick Yeck will talk about the geology and some Native American history throughout the tour. This tour departs from the UNM Continuing Education east parking lot, located at 1634 University Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 8am and will return at 4pm. Tuition is $89. For more information visit dce.unm.edu/story-of-new-mexico.htm or call Joan Cok at 505-277-0563. To register visit dce.unm.edu.