Explore Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

Explore the Sandstone Bluffs for beautiful views of El Malpais and the surrounding areas.

NPS Photo

Sandstone Bluffs offers an amazing view over one of the youngest lava flows in the continental U.S. - the 2500 to 3900 year old McCarty's Lava Flow. Explore the bluffs for different views of El Malpais and the surrounding areas.

• To the northeast, you can see the tall peak of Mount Taylor, a 3 million year old extinct stratovolcano and the second highest mountain in New Mexico.
• To the west, the ancient Zuni Mountains made of rocks up to 1.7 billion years old form the skyline above the much younger lavas of El Malpais. 
• To the southwest, spot the distinctive cinder cones of the Chain of Craters, a line of volcanoes that predate the 60,000 year history of eruptions of El Malpais.
• Far below you, the dark basalt of El Malpais lavas flow across the valley creating a vast volcanic wilderness.
• Under your feet, examine the beautiful sandstones of the bluffs that formed during the late Cretaceous when dinosaurs walked the earth.

If you're feeling adventurous, feel free to explore the bluffs, but be aware of steep dropoffs. Keep an eye out for tinajas - depressions in the sandstone that may be filled with water and tiny macroinvertebrate insects. Also watch for ravens and birds of prey enjoying the thermal uplifts over the bluffs.

Details

Duration

15-60 Minutes

Take as much time as you need to explore the bluffs!

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

There is no established hiking trail at Sandstone Bluffs, but the bluffs can be explored on foot. Please take care to avoid deep cracks and drop-offs. Much of the bluff area is alongside the parking lot.

Please note that rock climbing is prohibited in El Malpais National Monument.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must remain on leash at all times. Be aware that this area contains steep cliffs and dropoffs that may be dangerous for pets.

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee to enter El Malpais National Monument.

Location

Sandstone Bluffs

Sandstone Bluffs is located 10 miles south of I-40 off of Highway 117. The turnoff from Highway 117 is well marked. Follow a gravel road approximately 1.5 miles to reach the Sandstone Bluffs parking area. The bluffs are located adjacent to the parking area.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Sandstone Bluffs are enjoyable all year round. In the winter, be on the lookout for icy spots next to steep drop-offs. Summer monsoons may pop up very suddenly so be prepared to take shelter.

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Sandstone Bluffs area can be enjoyed from dawn to dusk. The area is closed at night. Sunsets are particularly beautiful!

Accessibility Information

The main viewing platform at Sandstone Bluffs is accessible by a ramp leading to an informational display. The cliffs can be difficult to walk on, with deep cracks and depressions. High winds, lightning, rain, snow, ice, and steep cliffs can make the bluffs dangerous. Picnic tables are available in a gravel area about 10-20 feet from the main parking area.