Directions

Choose Your Adventure!

• 

  I-40 Exit 89

  Sites Along Highway 117

  Take in panoramic views, marvel at incredible sandstone arches, and hike across the youngest lava flow at El Malpais at sites along NM 117.

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  I-40 Exit 85

  Visitor Center

  Plan your trip, pick up some souvenirs, and learn about the national monument at the El Malpais Visitor Center off I-40.

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  I-40 Exit 81

  Sites Along Highway 53

  Hike to the top of a cinder cone, journey to the depths of lava tube caves, and travel down a rugged backcountry road at sites off NM 53.

 

By Car

Interstate 40 is the main east-west highway into the region. The El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center is located at exit 85 just south of the interstate at the northern boundary of the monument. It is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily (winter hours of operation may be different) and provides orientation to the area.

To drive into the monument proper, you will need to take Exit 89 or Exit 81 from Interstate 40. Exit 89 takes you to Highway 117, which travels along the eastern boundary of the park. Highway 117 is popular for scenic drives and hiking.

Exit 81 takes you along Highway 53 and the western boundary of the park. There are several hiking opportunities, caving access (by permit only - caves may be closed for resource protection), and access to Big Tubes off County Road 42. Continuing down Highway 53 will take you to El Morro National Monument.

Public Transportation

Greyhound bus lines has service to Grants along I-40. A local transit line provides public transportation in the Grants-Milan area during the week.

By 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 7,000-foot paved runway, terminal building, ramp with aircraft tie downs, and an FBO with fuel and mechanical services.