News Release

Bat Out-Flight Programs

Date: June 11, 2018
Contact: Cassie Branstetter, 505-876-2783

Grants, NM – El Malpais National Monument is hosting bat out-flight programs every Friday evening from June 15th to September 28th.  These guided hikes will begin from the El Calderon trailhead, approximately one hour and fifteen minutes before sunset.  The season’s first bat out-flight on June 15th will begin at 7:15 p.m.  

A wonderful family activity, bat out-flight programs consist of a National Park Service Ranger discussing native bat populations with visitors, while guiding everyone along the El Calderon trail.  The program ends at a viewing point, where bats can be seen nightly, exiting a cave entrance for an evening of hunting insects.  
 
The program starting point, the El Calderon trailhead, is located on Hwy 53, approximately 20 miles south of Interstate 40.  Visitors are asked to be prepared for the hike by wearing proper shoes, bringing water, flashlights and warm layers. 
 
Please keep in mind, bats are wild animals with varied flight patterns.  It is possible to see little or even no bats exiting the cave.  The program will be canceled if poor weather conditions exist. Please call 505-876-2783 for more information.