El Malpais National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

Quicklinks:

Experience an Extreme Land!

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.

Lava tube caves are a window into another world.

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

Flowers will soon bloom in the high desert of El Malpais.

The Latest Announcements

County Road 42 is muddy and rutted as of August 24, 2010. The Big Tubes Road also has some muddy spots and puddles. Four wheel drive vehicles with high clearance are recommended. Visitors are urged to use caution if planning to travel on these roads; call a visitor center for the latest road information.

Monsoon storms are common in the summer. Afternoon storms can bring rain, hail, and lightning to the backcountry. Be prepared: have the right gear, and get a weather forecast before heading out.

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! Call the Information Center at 505-783-4774 for details about upcoming ranger-led programs in the park.

more...

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

E-mail Us

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.