New Mexico's Route 117 takes sightseers through the state's high desert, its fields littered with black lava. The lava rock is quite young in geological terms, poured out a few thousand years ago. Massive volcanic eruptions covered large areas, found just south of Grants. A side road from 117 leads to the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook where views of the lava beds are spread out over the valley, the Zuni Mountains and Mount Taylor top off the western horizon. Further on south, the scenic route approaches the Zuni-Acoma Trail which traces a seven mile pathway connecting the two old pueblos.
Southward is New Mexico's largest natural arch, La Ventana and 500 foot high sandstone cliffs, named The Narrows. For an added adventure for 4 wheeling enthusiasts, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Road offers more sights of El Malpais. This 36 mile route follows the Continental Divide and a chain of cinder cones.