El Malpais National Monument

This jagged landscape poured forth over the past million years. Molten rock created an eerie world of lava tube caves, cinder cones, pressure ridges, and bridges.

A closer look reveals diverse flora and fauna adapted to exotic environments. Ancient cairns, prehistoric ruins, and homesteads show how people have related to this primeval place.

Volcanic Vistas, Pahoehoe Pathways

Whether you have an hour or several days, there's plenty to enjoy at El Malpais. Download our brochures and choose from lava tube caving, scenic overlooks, easy graded trails, or strenuous treks on cairned routes.

Things to do

Places to go

Nearby Attractions

Even with four wheel drive, it's possible to get stuck in deep mud.

The Latest Announcements

County Road 42 is passable, but deeply rutted as of April 7, 2010. Rangers recommend a high-clearance vehicle for traveling this road. The Big Tubes Road is now passable, but muddy spots remain. Visitors are urged to use caution if planning to travel on these roads; call a visitor center for information on what areas are accessible.

Junior Ranger Day is April 24! Join El Malpais and El Morro rangers at the Grants High School for "Environauts: Mission to Earth!" Kids can earn their Junior Ranger patch and certificate by completing six activities. The program will be from 9 am to 12 am and is part of the Continental Divide Electric Co-op annual meeting. Click here for the program flyer.

A Park Ranger prepares the group for the upcoming bat flight.

Ranger Led Programs

Join a ranger for an in-depth experience at El Malpais! Explore the depths of Junction Cave. Take in the thrill of a bat flight at the Bat Cave. Hike on a section of the Continental Divide Trail. For a current schedule of programs click on "more" for a downloadable PDF file.
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A wildland fire engine and crew patrols the park.

Four Winds Fire Program

Fire season is just around the corner! Are you prepared? Join us in getting ready for the 2010 season. Read all about our upcoming projects; click here to learn more about the Four Winds Fire Program.

Write to

El Malpais National Monument
123 East Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020

Phone

Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center
(505) 876-2783

Monument Headquarters
(505) 285-4641 ext. 0

Fax

(505) 876-2791

Climate

El Malpais ranges in elevation from 6500 to 8300 ft. The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year.

Spring is quite variable, with stormy weather, blustery wind, and temperature extremes.

Summer can be warm to hot out on the lava fields. Monsoonal thunderstorms are a common occurrence during afternoons and lightning poses a hazard to hikers.

Fall is perhaps the mildest season in El Malpais. Cool nights give way to mild days as the leaves change color. Fall storms can bring snow and colder weather.

In the winter, snowstorms are common and nights are cold with below freezing temperatures.

Communities Surrounding El Malpais National Monument

Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Grants, NM (27 min. ) Pop. 8,806 Milan, NM (31 min. ) Pop. 1,891 San Fidel, NM (32 min. ) San Rafael, NM (33 min. ) Cubero, NM (33 min. )	Casa Blanca, NM (37 min. ) New Laguna, NM (42 min. ) Prewitt, NM (46 min. ) Paguate, NM (58 min. ) Pop. 474 Aragon, NM (1 hr. 31 min. )


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