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El Malpais National MonumentThe sun rises over El Malpais
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El Malpais National Monument
Directions
 

Air
Major airlines serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, 72 miles east of the monument. Rental vehicles are available in Albuquerque and limited rentals are available in Grants, New Mexico and Gallup, New Mexico.

For aircraft owners, Grants-Milan Airport (GNT) features a 7000 foot paved runway, terminal building, ramp with aircraft tie downs, and an FBO with fuel and mechanical services.

Car
Interstate 40 is the main east-west highway into the region. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which forms the eastern boundary. BLM's El Malpais Ranger Station is located 9 miles south of this exit and is open daily from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.

Exit 85 at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85 and is open daily.

Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which forms the northwestern boundary. NPS's El Malpais Information Center is located 23 miles south of this exit. The Information Center is open daily from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.

Public Transportation
Greyhound bus lines has limited service to Grants, NM. A local bus line operates three bus routes during the week in the Grants-Milan area.

A Western Diamondback rattlesnake in the desert  

Did You Know?
The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is one of several species of rattlesnake that inhabit the high desert of El Malpais. Like all wildlife in the park, they are protected and should be given space and respect.
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Last Updated: September 08, 2009 at 16:36 EST