Rivers of Ancient Fires

The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube caves, and sandstone bluffs. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come visit the land of frozen fire!

El Malpais: Land of Frozen Fire
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      Duration:
      14 minutes, 36 seconds

      El Malpais - Land of Frozen Fire takes viewers on a journey through expansive lava fields, above stunning sandstone cliffs and across ancient trails that are all protected by El Malpais National Monument. The film illustrates how volcanic forces shaped this once-molten landscape that supports a surprising diversity of plant and animal life and a rich cultural legacy for the people who have called this wild landscape home for generations.

      A park ranger stands at the edge of a wall of black rocks next to a small pine tree.
      Plan Your Adventure

      Explore the many things to do at El Malpais.

      Pink sunset with darker clouds over a sandstone bluff
      Current Conditions

      Find out the latest information on park conditions and updates on how to stay safe while enjoying El Malpais.

      Visitors on a trail watching a ranger-led program.
      Ranger Programs

      Learn something new with a park ranger!

      Yellow sandstone takes on a pinkish hue at sunset with sandstone cliffs and a lavender sky at sunset
      Scenic Driving

      See cool landscapes from the comfort of your car.

      A gravel path through a green field with small trees and colorful flowers alongside the trail.
      Find Your Trail

      Head out on a hiking adventure.

      A rubbly lava flow with a volcanic hill in the background at sunset.
      Volcanoes and Lava Flows

      Five major lava flows and at least eight volcanic vents created the lava landscape of El Malpais. Learn more about these volcanic features.

      Ranger is presenting to a group a students at a table. Everyone is looking into a box of sand.
      For Teachers

      El Malpais National Monument is an outdoor classroom waiting to be discovered.

      A person lit by a flashlight points up at the Milky Way galaxy above
      Night Skies

      Experience the stars at El Malpais.

      Sandstone outcropping with pink sunset
      National Park Getaway!

      Discover this hidden gem park.

      Last updated: March 15, 2024

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      Contact Info

      Mailing Address:

      1900 E. Santa Fe Ave.
      Grants, NM 87020

      Phone:

      505 876-2783

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