Paintout - La Ventana Natural Arch - S. of Grants

La Ventana Natural Arch

S. of Grants

Photo by Michael Lewis

La Ventana Natural Arch, located in the El Malpais National Conservation Area, is the second largest of New Mexico’s natural arches with a span of 135 feet. It was eroded from sandstone deposited during the age of the dinosaurs.

There is a wide range of subjects to paint in this area. If you like painting rock cliffs or need practice, this is the perfect setting. The light will change throughout the day and offer a variety of atmospheric conditions.

Meet in the parking lot at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25.

There is a picnic area for lunch, hiking opportunities, bathrooms and trash containers. Water is not available. El Malpais National Conservation Area has a Ranger Station 9 miles from I-40 on SR 117.

Camping: El Malpais, NCA offers free, primitive camping at the Joe Skeen Campground (11 miles south on 117, from exit 89 on I-40 and 2 miles south of the BLM Ranger Station).  The Joe Skeen campground offers 10 campsites with picnic tables and a vault toilet.

For more information about La Ventana Natural Arch, visit the website: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/el_malpais.html

DIRECTIONS:

1) From Albuquerque, take I-40 west (about 1 hour) to Exit 89, which is SR 117.
2) Turn south and drive approx. 18 miles. The parking lot is on the left and the arch is visible from the highway.

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