• Sweeping panoramic views of lava flows, cinder cones, and distant mountains can be enjoyed at Sandstone Bluffs.

    El Malpais

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Cave permits now available for selected park caves

    FREE mandatory cave permits are now available to visit specific caves in El Malpais. Permits can be obtained at the El Malpais Information Center on NM Highway 53 or at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center at I-40/Exit 85. More »

  • Fire restrictions now in effect!

    Stage 2 fire restrictions are now in effect at El Malpais. No smoking except within a vehicle, and no campfires or charcoal fires anywhere in the monument. More »

For Kids

Join our Junior Ranger Program!

Are you interested in becoming a JUNIOR RANGER? Click here to see what you need to do!

 
A girl examines the rings of Saturn through a telescope.

A young girl examines the rings of Saturn through a telescope at El Malpais.

NPS Photo by Jaclyn Waggoner

Astronomy for kids!

Join us throughout the year when we host special astronomy programs! Kids can participate in the astronomy raffle for a chance to win night sky prizes. We have kid-sized telescopes available for exploring the galaxy, and kids are welcome to bring their own telescopes and share their galactic expertise with others.

Program announcements will be posted here when events are scheduled. For more information, call 505-876-2783.

Did You Know?

Bat on cave wall

Bats are the only mammals that fly. El Malpais National Monument is home to thirteen different species of bats. Pregnant Mexican Free-tailed bats join the resident bats during the summer months but leave once the pups are able to fly. More...