News Release

Bat Outflight Guided Hikes Return in June at El Malpais National Monument

Date: May 30, 2024

Grants, NM- Join a park ranger on a guided hike to see bats emerge from the Bat Cave at El Calderon. Bat Outflight hikes will kick off on Friday, June 7, and Friday, June 14 at 7:30 pm each evening. Please join us as we welcome the bats back for the summer.

Starting June 21, guided bat outflights will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day weekend. All bat programs meet at the El Calderon Parking Area off NM Highway 53, about 20 miles south of Grants.

Hikes will begin around 45 minutes prior to sunset. Start times will vary slightly from week to week as the sunset time changes. Please visit our website, social media, or call us at 505-876-2783 to check specific hike start times each week. Hikes are weather dependent.

Guided Bat Outflights Summer 2024:
June 7, 14, 21, 22, 28, 29
July 5, 6,12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27
August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31

This program includes hiking an easy, 2-mile round-trip trail that is graveled and wide in most spots but does get narrow as it follows a deep drop off near a lava tube cave. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a source of light that is not a phone, preferably a red light. It will be dark when returning to the parking area. Wear layered clothing as weather can change unpredictably, especially after the sun goes down. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

For more information, contact the El Malpais Visitor Center at 505-876-2783 or visit www.nps.gov/elma. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/elmalpaisnps.

-NPS-

 About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s more than 400 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.   Grants, NM- Join a park ranger on a guided hike to see bats emerge from the Bat Cave at El Calderon. Bat Outflight hikes will kick off on Friday, June 7, and Friday, June 14 at 7:30 pm each evening. Please join us as we welcome the bats back for the summer. Starting June 21, guided bat outflights will be offered both Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day weekend. All bat programs meet at the El Calderon Parking Area off NM Highway 53, about 20 miles south of Grants. Hikes will begin around 45 minutes prior to sunset. Start times will vary slightly from week to week as the sunset time changes. Please visit our website, social media, or call us at 505-876-2783 to check specific hike start times each week. Hikes are weather dependent. Guided Bat Outflights Summer 2024June 7June 14June 21 & 22June 28 & 29July 5 & 6July 12 & 13July 19 & 20July 26 & 27 August 2 & 3August 9 & 10August 16 & 17August 23 & 24August 30 & 31 This program includes hiking an easy, 2-mile round-trip trail that is graveled and wide in most spots but does get narrow as it follows a deep drop off near a lava tube cave. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a source of light that is not a phone, preferably a red light. It will be dark when returning to the parking area. Wear layered clothing as weather can change unpredictably, especially after the sun goes down. Sturdy shoes are recommended.For more information, contact the El Malpais Visitor Center at 505-876-2783 or visit www.nps.gov/elma. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/elmalpaisnps.