The El Malpais Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st. The parking lot closes at 5:00 pm each day.
There is no entrance fee at El Malpais National Monument. You can visit for free, with no charges for vehicles, pedestrians, or any other form of entry.
From Albuquerque, drive north on I-25 to I-40, then west towards Grants, exiting at 89 for a journey through volcanic landscapes and primal beauty.
Parking is available throughout El Malpais National Monument, including at trailheads and the visitor center. No overnight parking is allowed. There are no parking fees. High clearance vehicles recommended for some areas. No specific restrictions for RVs or motorcycles mentioned.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
El Malpais National Monument, situated in the high desert lands of western New Mexico, is a tapestry of volcanic grandeur and primal beauty. The name, meaning “the badlands” in Spanish, belies the rich diversity and allure of this protected landscape. Here, lava flows that erupted from McCartys Crater 3,900 years ago have sculpted a dramatic terrain of cinder cones, pressure ridges, and an extensive lava tube system stretching at least 17 miles.
The landscape is punctuated by sandstone bluffs and mesas to the east, providing a striking contrast to the dark, rugged lava fields. This unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, and over 200 species of birds. The area is also steeped in history, with Native American tribes such as the Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna, Zuni, and the Ramah Navajo having interacted with this land for over 10,000 years.
Visitors can explore the monument via several trails, including those leading to the Ventana Natural Arch and the Narrows. The lava tubes and fragile ice caves offer an otherworldly experience, while the smooth, ropy pahoehoe lava and sharp, jagged ‘a’a lava provide a testament to the volcanic forces that shaped this land.
In the surrounding area, the town of Grants offers a glimpse into local culture, with its array of artisan shops and eateries. For those seeking adventure, local outfitters provide guided hikes and explorations of the monument’s vast wilderness. As the seasons change, El Malpais transforms; spring brings new life to the desert flora, summer days are hot but filled with the sounds of wildlife, and autumn paints the landscape with hues of gold and red. This living remnant of the old Southwest is a destination that beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its ancient, yet surprisingly modern, beauty.
- Area (mi²)
- 179
- Annual visitors
- 295 000
- Established year
- 1987
Top 3 Facts about El Malpais National Monument
This unique area features a 27-km-long lava tube system, one of the longest in the region, and includes ice caves and volcanic cinder cones, highlighting its complex geological history. The elevation ranges from 1,950 to 2,560 meters, supporting diverse ecosystems.
In this rugged landscape, black bears, cougars, and elk roam alongside tiny fairy shrimp and vibrant hummingbirds. The skies are dominated by golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, while the ground is dotted with prickly pear, claret cup cacti, and rare cinder phacelia. Conifers like piñon and ponderosa pine stand tall, and wildflowers such as paintbrush and desert globemallow bloom in the arid terrain. This diverse ecosystem also hosts unique moss and bryophyte gardens, making it a sanctuary for both flora and fauna.
Explore a landscape defined by a 17-mile-long lava tube system, volcanic cinder cones, and one of New Mexico’s largest natural arches, La Ventana. Elevation ranges from 6,400 to 8,400 feet, with dominant tree species including oneseed juniper and piñon pine. The area features ice caves and more than 20 gas-and-lava spatter cones, set against a backdrop of sandstone bluffs and mesas.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Arts & Crafts
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan for a few days to explore extensive lava flows and caves. Arrive via NM 53 or 117 off I-40. Visit the visitor center early for lava tube permits. Wear closed-toed shoes with good traction. Pack food, water, and layers. Summer is ideal for sunset hikes to watch bats emerge from caves. Bring 4-wheel drive for remote areas and anticipate limited phone service. Rest frequently and prepare for rugged terrain.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for variable desert weather, bring ample water, sunscreen, a map, and a first-aid kit. For longer stays, include camping gear, sturdy hiking boots, and a portable charger. Check the season for specific needs like insect repellent or warm clothing.
Respect Wildlife
Respect hibernating bats by avoiding lava tube caves from November to April. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and refrain from touching unique flora to preserve this fragile ecosystem. Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Stay Informed
Wear closed-toed shoes with good traction, bring extra water and food, and stay alert for cairns on lava flows. Be cautious of rattlesnakes and unpredictable weather. For emergencies, call 505-876-2783. Know your limits and respect wildlife. Stay informed about weather and fire restrictions.
Seasons
In spring, warmer temperatures (60s-70s°F) and mild weather make for ideal hiking and scenic drives. Join the Full Moon Hike in April for a unique nocturnal adventure under the stars. Lava tube caves reopen May 1, offering subterranean explorations. Perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts.
Explore lava tubes, bat flights, and starry nights in the summer, with temperatures often in the 90s. Witness the annual bat fly-out at El Calderon on warm summer nights. Ideal for adventure-seekers, despite the heat.
Experience the rugged beauty of autumn, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 60°F, and occasional snow. Witness the bats’ pre-hibernation flights in October, though lava tube caves are closed. Layer up for crisp, windy days and enjoy solitude amidst volcanic landscapes.【BootTest】
Winter, from November to April, offers crisp temperatures (30s-50s°F) and icy trails, ideal for hiking sandstone bluffs and lava fields without the summer heat. Lava tube caves are closed to protect hibernating bats, but the vast, blue skies and potential wildlife encounters make it a unique winter escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what El Malpais National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to El Malpais National Monument is Grants, New Mexico, which is located just north of the monument and accessible via Interstate 40. Albuquerque, while further, is another significant city in the area, about 72 miles east of the monument.
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Dogs must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. They are not allowed to be off-leash or free-trailing. This rule is for the safety of the dogs and the monument’s resources.
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Parking is free, but there are restrictions on overnight parking and no specific-designated RV parking areas. Trailhead parking areas and the visitor center parking lot do not allow overnight parking. Larger vehicles like motorhomes and campers can park in some areas, but check the space availability.
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Explore the scenic Sandstone Bluffs Overlook and hike the El Calderon Trail to see volcanic features like cinder cones. Visit the lava tube caves, a 17-mile-long system, and check out La Ventana, one of New Mexico’s largest natural arches. In the evening, enjoy the Night Skies for stargazing or see bats flying out of Bat Cave at El Calderon.