El Malpais Night Skies

Explore the sky with your eyes, binoculars, or telescopes!

NPS Photo

El Malpais National Monument has dark features both on the ground and far above.  Why not take an evening to look up at rivers of stars after a day of looking down at cooled rivers of lava?  Or perhaps trade in the urban light of Albuquerque or Santa Fe for a softer, more ancient kind of light? 
 
Although park staff are in the early stages of putting together an International Dark Sky Park application, you don’t need to wait until the park is certified to do some stargazing.  With a bit of planning, the right gear, and a fully charged sense of wonder, the night skies have something for everyone!

Details

Duration

1-8 Hours

Timing, seasons, and weather may affect how long you spend outside.

Activity

Stargazing

Pets Allowed

Yes

We welcome pets at El Malpais National Monument, so long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet (2 meters) and you are attached to the other end.  More wildlife is active at night during the summer months, so remember to keep your pet under control at all times. 

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Throughout the Park and Surrounding Areas

The El Calderon and Lava Falls Trailheads offer the best night sky viewing within the monument. Please be aware that camping is not permitted at any of the following sites:   

• El Calderon:  Take exit 81 off of Interstate 40 for New Mexico Highway 53. Drive approximately 20 miles before turning left onto the trailhead.  Park at the trailhead, set up a chair and a telescope, and look up. 

• Lava Falls Trail:  Take exit 89 off of Interstate 40 for New Mexico Highway 117. Drive 36 miles south. The turn-off is on your right. A one-mile gravel road ends at the parking lot.  A large parking lot offers plenty of space for setting up telescopes and is secluded from light from passing traffic.Safety note: do not hike on the Lava Falls Trail at night due to uneven terrain.  

• La Ventana Natural Arch and The Narrows Trailhead--both Bureau of Land Management sites--are also great spots to admire the night sky.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Sunrise and sunset times change with the seasons. Find the most up-to-date Sunrise and sunset times in Grants, New Mexico (sunrise-sunset.org) Timing, seasons, and weather may affect how long you spend outside

Time of Day

Night, Dawn, Dusk

Learn when local sunset and sunrise occurs at sunrise-sunset.org/us/grants-nm. Be aware that the Moon's present phase may impact what you can find in the sky. We highly recommend you check the weather forecast ahead of time. Some planets or other sky features may be visible before dawn or immediately after dusk depending on the time of year.

Accessibility Information

All parking areas are gravel and pit toilets are available.  Service animals are allowed, although not encouraged to use the trails at night.   

Safety note: We do not recommend hiking on the Lava Falls Trail at night due to uneven terrain.