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

    El Malpais

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Cave permits now available for selected park caves

    FREE mandatory cave permits are now available to visit specific caves in El Malpais. Permits can be obtained at the El Malpais Information Center on NM Highway 53 or at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center at I-40/Exit 85. More »

Places To Go

A tortured basalt landscape is rimmed by trees in El Malpais

Take in the surreal beauty of lava country on a short hike in El Malpais.

NPS

Enjoy a vast panorama of lava flows twisting below golden cliffs. Stand on the rim of an ancient cinder cone. Walk over a lava bridge as wide as an interstate overpass. Trek down a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. All of these places are here at El Malpais.

Download our brochures to help you plan your visit, or stop by a visitor center while you are in the area for trail maps and brochures.

 

Sites on Highway 53

Zuni-Acoma Trailhead
This is a very tough hike across 7.5 miles of lava on a route marked by rock cairns. The route has been in use for centuries by the Pueblo People. Be prepared for this rugged trek.

El Calderon Area
Here you'll find a 3 mile loop trail that wanders past lava flow features and the El Calderon volcano, active around 115,000 years ago. This is the most developed trail in the park, and the trailhead features picnic tables and pit toilets. Hikers looking for more can take on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail from this trailhead.

El Malpais Information Center
Hike the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail from here. Restrooms, water, and picnic tables available.

Big Tubes Area
Although the caves are closed, the lava bridges and other features of the area remain open. This is strenuous hiking. Use CR 42 to get there.

 

Sites on Hwy 117

El Malpais Ranger Station (BLM)
A 1.5 mile graded and marked nature trail heads up the ridge behind the ranger station. Restrooms, water, and a picnic table are available.

Sandstone Bluffs
A gravel road leads up to a spectacular overlook of the varied lava flows of El Malpais. Picnic tables and toilets are available here. Hikers can wander the cliffs or route find to the lands below.

Joe Skeen Campground (BLM)
This primitive campground features 10 sites with shade shelters, pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire grates. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Acoma-Zuni Trailhead
The east side trailhead for the rugged Zuni-Acoma Trail; be prepared for this strenuous hike.

La Ventana Arch (BLM)
One of the largest sandstone arches in New Mexico can be found just 18 miles south of the interstate. A short trail leads to a viewpoint. Pit toilets and picnic tables are available here.

South Narrows Picnic Area & Narrows Rim Trailhead (BLM)
Picnic tables, shade shelters, and pit toilets are available. Begin the 8 mile Narrows Rim trail here.

Lava Falls
Explore the recent McCartys Lava Flow on this 1.5 mile cairned hiking route. Enjoy the surreal moonscape created by volcanism. Toilets and picnic tables are available here.

Did You Know?

A gopher snake at El Malpais

Gopher snakes can mimic rattlesnake behavior, thrashing their tails in dry grass or leaves. These elegant reptiles are nonvenomous and help control rodent populations in high desert regions like El Malpais. More...