La Ventana Arch
La Ventana Arch (Spanish for 'The Window') is in New Mexico near the town of Grants.
Five miles east of Grants on Interstate 40, turn south on Route 117 for about 12 miles to the large sign denoting
the turn-off (left) to the arch. The road enters a parking lot from which the Arch is visible; and it is just a short
walk to the base of the talus slope below the Arch. The Arch's span is about 120 feet. The lava beds west of Rt. 117
are in El Malpais National Monument (Spanish 'The Bad Country'). La Ventana is the second largest arch in New Mexico,
the largest being Snake Bridge near the town of Sanostee south of Shiprock. The Navajo Nation government has closed
this arch to the public. For an excellent photo of this arch go to the
Natural Arches and Bridge Society website.
Photo by Bob Newman. |
