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El Malpais National MonumentThe wide open landscape near Cerro Encierro
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El Malpais National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
A hiker treks along the Continental Divide Trail near El Calderon

NPS

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

 

 

 

 

 

NPS

 

 

 

Bat on cave wall  

Did You Know?
Bats are the only mammals that fly. El Malpais National Monument is home to thirteen different species of bats. Pregnant Mexican Free-tailed bats join the resident bats during the summer months but leave once the pups are able to fly.
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Last Updated: November 02, 2009 at 13:48 EST