Getting Around

Thanks to the rugged lava landscape, there are no roads through El Malpais. Two paved state highways - NM 117 & NM 53 - follow the eastern and northwestern borders of the monument, and a rugged dirt road - County Road 42 - crosses the southern boundary. Travelers leaving the pavement on CR42 are advised to get up-to-date road information and weather reports from the visitor center before heading out. Four-wheel-drive and high clearance are highly recommended (and often required) when driving CR42 & NPS 300 to the Big Tubes area.

 

Choose Your Adventure!

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  I-40 Exit 89

  Sites Along Highway 117

  Take in panoramic views, marvel at incredible sandstone arches, and hike across the youngest lava flow at El Malpais at sites along NM 117.

• 

  I-40 Exit 81

  Sites Along Highway 53

  Hike to the top of a cinder cone, journey to the depths of lava tube caves, and travel down a rugged backcountry road at sites off NM 53.

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  Access from Hwy 53 or Hwy 117

  County Road 42

  A dirt road for the more adventurous! Follow this road for scenic lava tube landscapes at Big Tubes and views of the Chain of Craters.

 

Highway 53 Attractions

• Zuni Canyon Road (USDA Forest Service)

• Zuni-Acoma Trailhead

• Bonita Canyon (USDA Forest Service)

• El Calderon Area Trailhead

• Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

• Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave (Private Business)

• County Road 42, Chain of Craters Scenic Byway north entrance

Highway 117 Attractions

• El Malpais Ranger Station (BLM)

• Sandstone Bluffs

• Acoma-Zuni Trailhead

• Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

• La Ventana Arch (BLM)

• South Narrows picnic area (BLM)

• Lava Falls Trailhead

• County Road 42, Chain of Craters Scenic Byway south entrance

 

Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway

County Road 42 is also known as the "Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway." This road travels along the western boundary of the park in the National Conservation Area. The byway's name comes from a visible line of cinder cones volcanoes along the drive.

This road provides access to the Big Tubes area and a segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail from both the north and south. It is lightly maintained road and can become impassable after heavy rain or snow. A four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle is recommended if using this route.

Despite how it looks on the map, this road is NOT A SHORTCUT from one side of the park to the other. Because of the rugged nature of this road, it is always faster to return to I-40 to access the opposite side of the park.

Always ask a ranger about road conditions before your trip and watch our video about the hazards of driving CR 42 and NPS 300 in less than ideal conditions.