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

    El Malpais

    National Monument New Mexico

There are park alerts in effect.
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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 »

Fees & Reservations

We're Fee Free!

There are no fees charged at El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area for regular routine visitation. Reservations are not required at this time for regular visitation. For non-routine use of the park, see below.

 
A film crew prepares to shoot a scene at El Malpais.
Special use permits are required for commercial filming, commercial photography, and other non-routine activities.
NPS Photo
 

Special Park Use: Permits are Required

Non-routine use of the park requires special use permits. This includes activities such as commercial filming, commercial photography, special events (weddings, large group events, sports events, etc.) and any research in the park. Click here to go to our permits page for all the details. Plan ahead; apply for your permit well in advance of the intended date of the activity.

Did You Know?

A Western Diamondback rattlesnake in the desert

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. More...