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Welcome!
This jagged landscape poured forth over the past million years. Molten rock created an eerie world of lava tube caves, cinder cones, pressure ridges, and bridges.
A closer look reveals diverse flora and fauna adapted to extreme environments. Ancient cairns, prehistoric ruins, and homesteads show how people have related to this primeval place.
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A Variety of Experiences
For those with limited time, paved highways lead to overlooks and short hikes. Visit La Ventana Arch or check out the panoramas at Sandstone Bluffs.
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking the unusual, El Malpais offers rugged trails, remote country, varied geology, wild caves, and many elements of natural interest.
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The Latest Announcements
Beginning November 1, 2009 the El Malpais Information Center on NM 53 will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The center will be open Friday through Tuesday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Visitor services are available at the and the .
The Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center is now on winter hours. The center is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST. The center will be closed for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day holidays.
Be ready for colder weather! Overnight lows in the region have dropped to the low teens on a regular basis and snow has fallen on Mount Taylor. Fall is a great time to take on one of the more challenging hikes like the .
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Ranger Programs
Explore El Malpais National Monument. We offer Ranger-led programs; guided hikes, cave tours, and bat flights. For a current schedule click on "more" for a downloadable PDF file.
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Write to
El Malpais National Monument
123 East Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020
E-mail Us
Phone
El Malpais Information Center
(505) 783-4774
Monument Headquarters
(505) 285-4641 ext. 0
Fax
(505) 285-5661
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Climate
El Malpais ranges in elevation from 6500 to 8300 ft. The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year.
Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during summer afternoons and lightning poses a hazard to hikers.
Winter snowstorms are common and nights are cold with below freezing temperatures.
Visitors planning to explore lava tube caves need to come prepared with warm clothing, protective headgear, three non-heat producing sources of light, and leather gloves.
Sturdy hiking boots are required when hiking on lava terrain and daypacks with water, snacks, raingear, first aid kit and sunscreen are suggested.
Backcountry exploration requires planning and rangers at El Malpais Information Center or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center can provide assistance prior to your visit.
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Did You Know?
Cerro Rendija volcano, just west of Big Tubes in El Malpais National Monument, is a good example of a shield volcano. Low viscosity lava spread out rapidly from the vent and kept the volcano from gaining much vertical height.
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Last Updated: November 03, 2009 at 12:45 EST |
