It had rained the day before we drove to El Morro. In the morning there was a bank of fog across the roadway. After arriving at El Morro, we hiked around Inscription Rock. Many Spanish explorers and pioneers carved their names into the sandstone. Some of the inscriptions are simple and others are quite elaborate. There is a perpetual pool of water at the base. We also hiked up to the top of Inscription Rock via steep switch backs. It is a fun trail across the top and around a box canyon. In places the trail is marked by lines in the rock and in other places there are steps cut into the rock. There are beautiful views from the top.

Later we drove to El Malpais (The Badlands). Highway 117 winds through El Malpais. We spent the night in Grants and the next day drove to the Lava Falls area of El Malpais. The hike here is somewhat treacherous as you are hiking over the lava. There are large crevices, some quite deep. The lava flowed in interesting rope designs in some areas. We saw some lizards and wildflowers.

We then headed north on 117 and stopped at Ventana Arch. John climbed up to the arch and got some good pics from under it. The Sandstone Overlook provided gorgeous views of the valley. There were some pools of water on top full of pollywogs. We found The Badlands to be beautiful and interesting.