Follow Ancient Footpaths on the Zuni-Acoma Trail

Hikers cross the rugged Zuni-Acoma Trail

NPS Photo

Hike a historic trail across the lava flows of El Malpais. The Zuni-Acoma trail is an ancient trail used by Puebloans, Navajo, Spanish and American explorers, and other travelers to journey between the pueblos of Zuni and Acoma. It is a very strenuous 7.5 mile one-way hike (a car shuttle is recommended) and follows a cairned route most of the way. This classic El Malpais hike is part of the 3,100 mile long Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. You can sample short parts of the Zuni-Acoma trail from either trailhead if you aren’t up for the entire hike. Due to its strenuous nature, this hike best done in the cooler months and is not recommended for pets due to the jagged rock of the lava flow. 

The Zuni-Acoma trail is accessible from either Highway 117 or Highway 53. The Highway 53 Trailhead has vault toilets and picnic tables.

Details

Duration

2-8 Hours

Hiking one way across the entire trail may take 8 hours or more due to its rugged nature. Out and back hikes may take as long as you feel comfortable hiking.

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

This is a very strenuous 7.5 mile one-way hike. Most of the hike is across extremely sharp and rugged lava rock. Park rangers recommend using two vehicles to shuttle between trailheads. The trail route is marked by cairns and great care should be taken to find the next cairn before proceeding. There is very little shade along this trail and it should not be attempted in the heat of the summer.

You can sample short parts of this trail if you aren’t up for the entire hike by doing an out and back hike. The Highway 53 trailhead has picnic tables and vault toilets. 

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are not recommended on this hike due to the sharp, jagged lava rock making up most of the trail.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

This hike is best done in the cooler months of the year. There is little shade and it can be very hot in the summer months. Summer thunderstorms can occur suddenly and winter snows can make route finding challenging. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

This Zuni-Acoma trail crosses several major lava flows. The trail is a route across the lava marked by cairns. The lava surface is very sharp and uneven. In many places, the route crosses deep crevasses that must be stepped across.