Double Sinks

The collapsed lava tubes of Double Sinks reach up to 80 feet deep!

NPS Molly Mays

Quick Facts

Location:

34.96651, -108.00471

The El Calderon trail passes precipitously between two deep pits called Double Sinks. These steep collapses are about 80 feet (24 m) deep and were formed where the roofs of lava tubes collapsed. They are home to owls, squirrels, and ferns. In fact, delicate ferns can be found in hidden, shady places throughout the lava flows of El Malpais where pockets of moisture are sheltered from drying summer heat and winds.