Hiking

Hikers exploring the Zuni-Acoma Trail.

NPS Photo by Nick Guarino

From strenuous treks over jagged lava flows to moderate loops in the trees, El Malpais has many hikes for you to explore.

These hikes include:
-El Calderon Area
-Zuni-Acoma Trail
-Lava Falls Trail
-Big Tubes Area
-El Malpais Visitor Center Trail





Whether you choose to hike the entire strenuous Zuni-Acoma Trail or do a small piece of El Calderon Area’s trail, remember to be prepared. Feel free to visit or call the El Malpais Visitor Center for more information. PDFs of hiking guides are also available.

While many of our hiking trails are pet friendly, they may not be "paw friendly." Jagged and sharp lava flows can injure your pet's feet and paws. Check out the Pet Page for more information to help keep your pets safe.

 

Continental Divide Trail in El Malpais

Approximately thirty miles (48 km) of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) winds through both El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area. Thru-hikers are often seen in mid- to late spring as they trek north from the Mexico to Canada.     

If you plan on thru-hiking, water refill stations are seasonally available at the Fire Operations Center on Highway 53 or the El Malpais Visitor Center.  Extra amenities are available in Grants.  Consult the Continental Divide Trail Coalition website for more detailed information if you plan on doing the full 3,100 miles (5,000 km). 

If you prefer a shorter hike, you can pick up segments of the CDT from the El Calderon Area and either of the trailheads for the Acoma-Zuni trail.