The Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center is located in Grants, New Mexico and is part of El Malpais National Monument. The center is located just off of I-40 at exit 85. The facility is staffed by representatives of the National Park Service, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Also, a cooperating association bookstore is housed at the center and is operated by Western National Parks Association.

View of the Bookstore

The daily hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during Mountain Standard Time and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during Mountain Daylight Savings Time.

The facility provides information about Northwest New Mexico's public lands including:

• El Malpais National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, El Morro National Monument, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, El Malpais National Conservation Area, Cabezon Peak and nearby Wilderness Study Areas, the Zuni Mountains and Mount Taylor.
• Interpretive programs
• Area maps
• Trip planning
• Auditorium programs and videos

Other activities available at the center include:

• Picnic facilities
• Short walks
• Wildlife viewing
• A view of 115,000 year old El Calderon lava flow

View of Gallo Peak

For information about Grants including lodging, restaurants, and the area go to the

Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce home page

Updated: February, 2004