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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
El Malpais National MonumentDistant Mount Taylor viewed across the lava
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El Malpais National Monument
Operating Hours & Seasons
 
A hiker treks along the Continental Divide Trail near El Calderon

NPS

Any season is a good season to explore the wild country of El Malpais.

We're Open Year-round!

El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area are always open to visitors except Sandstone Bluffs Overlook. This area closes at dusk.

The Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center is open daily, 8 am to 5 pm during MST, and 9 am to 6 pm during MDT in the summer.

Depending on the season, access to backcountry areas may be difficult. Many of the dirt roads become impassable after summer rains or winter snowfall. Please contact one of our visitor centers for current road and trail information:

El Malpais Information Center 505-783-4774
Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center 505-876-2783
BLM Ranger Station 505-280-2918

 

 

 

 

 

NPS

 

 

 
A lava moonscape in El Malpais  

Did You Know?
When people say that El Malpais lava country looks like a "moonscape" they aren't far from the truth. Much of the moon is covered with basalt lava flows which form the "maria" or lunar seas. Astronauts trained on lava flows in preparation for walking on the moon.
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Last Updated: November 02, 2009 at 13:48 EST