Last updated: April 17, 2022
Place
Life on the Edge
NPS John Kuehnert
Quick Facts
Location:
34.96487, -108.01301
Lava, though it may seem harsh and inhospitable, can create some unusual habitats. One of these habitats is actually found just along the edges of lava flows. Known as the "edge effect," dense vegetation seems to thrive along the lava's edge. Scientists hypothesize that rainwater and moisture runoff from the lava and the surrounding land collects along this edge and allows more vegetation to grow.
As you hike along the edges fo the El Malpais lava flows, look for the edge effect. Aspens, not normally found in this area, thrive along the lava edge. You can see this effect as you return to the hiking area along the dirt road or if you continue along the El Calderon loop trail to the Continental Divide trail (adds about 2 miles to this hiking loop).
As you hike along the edges fo the El Malpais lava flows, look for the edge effect. Aspens, not normally found in this area, thrive along the lava edge. You can see this effect as you return to the hiking area along the dirt road or if you continue along the El Calderon loop trail to the Continental Divide trail (adds about 2 miles to this hiking loop).