Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
What do ghosts and fire have in common?
In New Mexico, just at the foothills of the Sacramento mountains, is an ancient site of volcanic activity at the Valley of Fires Recreational area. That’s next to White Oaks, one of New Mexico’s active ghost towns.
Courtesy photo: Mike Jimenez
A variety of animal and plant life is found at the Valley of Fire Recreational Area near Carrizozo. The adjacent Malpais lava flow is said to be about 5,000 years old.
In order to reach this scenic area, the drive is about 200 miles west of Clovis on U.S. 70, then a right turn onto U.S. 380 to the small town of Carrizozo.
Along the way you will drive through two of the west’s most well-known and historical communities: Lincoln (where Billy the Kid broke out of jail) and Capitan (home of Smokey Bear).
After arriving in Carrizozo, I would recommend visiting the Valley of Fires Recreational area first. It can be found by driving four miles west on U.S. 380.
Here, visitors can spend a few hours, or several days exploring the various trails and the visitor’s center.
Fees for camping, day use, and other services are clearly posted on the area’s website.
There are well placed and maintained spots for RVs, tents, bathrooms, and parking.
The Valley of Fires Recreational Area is adjacent to the Malpais lava flow and, according to the website, is approximately 5,000 years old.
Here you will find a variety of animal and plant life growing freely among the volcanic rock.
The views offer a contrast of vibrant greens and browns among the stark black of the molten rock now solidified over time, making for incredible photographic opportunities.
I suggest spending the afternoon by heading to White Oaks, which is three miles north on Highway 54, then nine miles east on Highway 349.
The remaining collection of businesses and homes began as a product of the discovery of gold in 1879 and for a time was one of the largest communities in New Mexico.
In those days it was populated by miners, various suppliers, and the occasional outlaw like Billy the Kid.
Some of the attractions still available today are: Brown Building, the Cedarvale Cemetery, Miner’s Museum, and the School House museum.
The Miner’s Home museum, built in the 1800s, offers a view into the lives of locals living in that time period through rooms.
One of the more prominent active local businesses is the No Scum Allowed Saloon, open only on weekends. This establishment is a popular hangout for first-time visitors, motorcycle riders, and locals.
The No Scum Saloon was featured in “American Cowboy” magazine as one of the best cowboy bars in the west. Hours on Saturday are posted as opening at noon and closing at 11 p.m.
Mike Jimenez, 63, of Hagerman is an Eastern New Mexico University graduate who has been traveling New Mexico for decades, mostly on his motorcycle. His series of travel reports will run each Sunday through the summer.
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