NPS

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

Enjoy a vast panorama of lava flows twisting below golden cliffs. Hike through a lava tube cave big enough to house an airship. Stand on the rim of an ancient cinder cone. Walk over a lava bridge as wide as an interstate overpass. 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. 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 tube caves, lava flow features, and the El Calderon volcano, active around 115,000 years ago. This is the nicest 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 Trail from here. Restrooms, water, and picnic tables available.

Big Tubes Area
The biggest, most impressive caves in the region are out here, along with eerie lava bridges and other lava features. 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.

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.

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.