Thing to Do

Visit La Ventana Natural Arch

A sidwalk leads to a sandstone cliff with a prominent arch feature within the sandstone.
Follow the trail to La Ventana Natural Arch

NPS Photo

Visit one of New Mexico's largest natural arches! Wind and water eroded away the softer parts of the sandstone cliff, leaving behind a spectacular arch tucked away in a small canyon. You can marvel at the arch from the parking area or take a short 1/4 mile walk up to the base of the arch. 

La Ventana Natural Arch is not technically a part of El Malpais National Monument. Instead, it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management as part of El Malpais National Conservation Area surrounding El Malpais National Monument.

Overnight parking and camping are not allowed at La Ventana.

Details
La Ventana Natural Arch is a quick, easy stop.
You can get an excellent view of La Ventana Natural Arch from the parking area or you can take a short 1/4 mile one-way walk along an easy gravel trail for a closer look. Picnic shelters and a vault toilet are available near the parking area.
Pets must be leashed at all times.
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

La Ventana Natural Arch is located in El Malpais National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management right next door to El Malpais National Monument. To get there, take exit 89 off I-40 and travel south on Highway 117 for about 18 miles. The parking area for the arch will be on your left.

Reservations
No
Enjoy the arch all year round! Be careful hiking during summer thunderstorms and be sure to bring plenty of water on a hot summer day.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information

La Ventana Natural Arch parking area is well paved with accessible parking spaces. The trail to the picnic shelters is paved and the picnic area offers wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. The trail to the arch is graveled and about 5 ft wide. The trail is mostly flat with a slight incline as you near the arch.

El Malpais National Monument

Last updated: August 8, 2021