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El Malpais National Monument A gopher snake slithers across lava boulders
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El Malpais National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
A hiker treks along the Continental Divide Trail near El Calderon

NPS Photo by Sue Olin

Any season is a good season to explore the wild country of El Malpais.

We're Open Year-round!

El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area are always open to visitors except Sandstone Bluffs Overlook. This area closes at dusk.

The Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center is open daily, 8 am to 5 pm during MST, and 9 am to 6 pm during MDT in the summer.

Depending on the season, access to backcountry areas may be difficult. Many of the dirt roads become impassable after summer rains or winter snowfall. Please contact one of our visitor centers for current road and trail information:

El Malpais Information Center 505-783-4774

Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center 505-876-2783

BLM Ranger Station 505-280-2918







 







 

 

 

 

 

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Rough aa lava can be found near Cerro Rendija

Did You Know?
Two distinct kinds of lava can be found in the varied flows of El Malpais. Lava is known by names from the Hawaiian Islands. Aa lava is clumpy and forms numerous irregular chunks, while pahoehoe lava cools to form smooth surfaces often covered with ropy textures.
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Last Updated: December 21, 2010 at 11:46 MST