• 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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  • All caves in El Malpais National Monument are closed to recreational use.

    This closure is due to a combination of factors including the outbreak of a fungal disease that is killing millions of bats. Read more at our Nature and Science page. More »

Be a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger badge, book, and certificate from El Malpais National Monument.

Here's what Junior Rangers earn for completing the mission at El Malpais!

NPS Photo

Become a Junior Ranger!

It's easy! You can pick up an El Malpais Junior Ranger book at the BLM Ranger Station, the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, or the Information Center. Take some time to do the activities in the book. Then have it checked by a ranger at any of the three visitor centers. Take the pledge and put the badge on; you've done it! Or, if you can't complete your mission while here, just send it in and we'll send you your badge and certificate!

Did You Know?

A lava moonscape in El Malpais

When people say that El Malpais lava country looks like a "moonscape" they aren't far from the truth. Much of the moon is covered with basalt lava flows which form the "maria" or lunar seas. Astronauts trained on lava flows in preparation for walking on the moon. More...