La Ventana Natural Arch — El Malpais Sandstone Formation

La Ventana — Spanish for ‘the window’ — is a massive Zuni Sandstone arch about 100 feet wide sitting on the eastern edge of El Malpais, less than a mile on a graded trail from the NM-117 pullout. The contrast is striking: burnt-orange sandstone cliffs rising above the black lava field to the west. Short hike, huge payoff. There’s a small parking area with a vault toilet and interpretive panels. No water on site.

The turnoff is well-signed on NM-117 roughly 17 miles south of I-40. The access road is paved and suitable for any rig. This area sees moderate foot traffic — arrive early on weekends in spring and fall. The arch itself is a no-climbing zone per NPS regulations. Combine it with the Zuni-Acoma crossing for a full lava-country day.

Big sandstone window, black lava backdrop.