Last updated: January 18, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike the El Calderon Trail
NPS Photo
From winding trenches that were once glowing rivers of lava to the sloping hills of a long quiet volcano, a geologic wonderland of volcanic features awaits along the El Calderon trail.
Hiking El Calderon
El Calderon Trail offers 4.6 miles of easy to moderately difficult hiking over ancient lava flows to the top of an extinct cinder cone volcano. The trail can be shortened to a 3 mile loop by following the primitive Cerritos de Jaspe Road back to the main parking area.
Be prepared for whatever adventure you choose. Be sure to:
- Tell someone where you are going.
- Carry plenty of water.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Lava Meets Life
Lava Landscapes
60,000 years ago, lava began to erupt from a crack in the ground along what is now the El Calderon Trail. Hot cinders shot hundreds of feet into the air and coalesced into a 300 foot tall cinder cone volcano. Lava breached the side of the cinder cone and flowed in long rivers of molten rock that formed lava tubes and trenches as the lava stretched over 20 miles all the way to what is now I-40.
After the eruption ended, the lava stayed frozen in time. Today along the El Calderon Trail, you can still see these features from one of the oldest eruptions in El Malpais spectacularly preserved by the dry high desert climate.
Life Abounds
Today, the lava flows of El Calderon are covered in grasses and trees, all thanks to the richness of the soils that form on volcanic rock. These soils support abundant life.
The El Calderon Trail passes through piñon-juniper forests where piñon jays and rabbits flit through the trees and grasses. Snakes and lizards hide in the shade or bask on dark lava outcrops. On the volcano’s slopes, ponderosas grow tall in the moisture-holding cinder. Larger mammals like deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lions may lurk among the trees. Deep underground in the lava tubes that line the trail, animals adapted for life in the dark thrive. During summer months bats roost in the lava tube caves during the day and fly out by the tens of thousands at night to hunt insects over the lava fields. In the winter, bats huddle in hibernation within those same lava tube caves.
No matter when you visit, you’ll see signs of life flourishing along the El Calderon Trail all thanks to the volcanic landscape of El Malpais. Download the NPS App for a full tour of the El Calderon Trail.
See A Bat Outflight
On warm summer evenings from late May to early September, Brazilian free-tailed bats burst from a lava tube known as Bat Cave along the El Calderon Trail for a night of hunting insects over the lava flows of El Malpais. To witness this phenomenon, arrive at Bat Cave at least half an hour before sunset. The hike from the El Calderon Trailhead to Bat Cave takes approximately 20 minutes. Learn more about how to see a Bat Outflight in the summer, or join a park ranger on a guided bat outflight program when programs are offered.
Lava Tube Caving
The only lava tube cave open to the public along the El Calderon is the Junction Bridge Cave located along the first 1/4 mile of the El Calderon. This short lava tube cave connects the entrance to Junction Cave (gated) on one side of the trail to the lava trench on the other side. Although this is not managed as a true lava tube "cave," it was created by the same processes and offers a similar experience to other lava tube caves in the park. This is a great cave to get a taste of what lava tube caving is like and is suitable for young children. No permits are required to visit this cave. This cave is open year-round. You can enter this short cave via the Junction Cave entrance or from the lava trench near the main trail. You can also see the entrances to several caves if you hike the El Calderon trail.
All other caves along the El Calderon Trail are currently closed to protect sensitive bat populations. Many caves with bats also contain a fungus known to cause histoplasmosis, an infection that can be dangerous to humans. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER ANY CLOSED CAVES!
Caving is allowed in some other lava tube caves in El Malpais National Monument with a caving permit and proper equipment. All of the lava tube caves in El Malpais National Monument are undeveloped wilderness caves, meaning there are no permanent trails, steps, or lights through the caves. Most caves are extremely strenuous and require significant preparation to explore safely. Talk to a ranger at the El Malpais Visitor Center to learn if caving is an appropriate activity for you.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
This hike can be made shorter or longer depending on trail options.
Activity
Hiking
El Calderon is an easy to moderate difficulty hike along a mostly graveled road. The trail is 4.8 miles total, but a shorter 3 mile loop can be made by returning to the trailhead via a dirt road.
Age(s)
All ages are welcome, but be aware that some sections of the trail are alongside steep drop-offs next to lava tube caves.
Pets Allowed
Yes
The El Calderon trail system is mostly paw friendly, although be aware of sections of the trail alongside lava tube caves with steep drop-offs. Scoria covering the trail on the cinder cone may be sharp. Visit our pet page for more information about visiting El Malpais with furry friends.
Activity Fee
No
There is no charge to visit El Malpais National Monument.
Location
El Calderon Trailhead
El Calderon Area is located 20 miles (32 km) south of Grants on NM 53.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
In the summer, be on the lookout for sudden storms that may pop up unexpectedly. During winter months, the short gravel road from Highway 53 to the El Calderon trailhead may be muddy.
Time of Day
Any Time
During the summer months, dusk can be an excellent time to see bats flying out of Bat Cave along the El Calderon trail. The El Calderon Area offers excellent opportunities for stargazing at night.
Accessibility Information
The El Calderon Area trail system is mostly graveled and approximately 3 feet wide in most places. Wooden steps set into the hillside take you to the summit of El Calderon. In some areas near the lava tube caves the ground is rocky and uneven.