Paw Friendly TrailsWhile the trails within El Malpais National Monument are pet friendly, many are not "paw friendly." The volcanic flows are made of rough basalt lava that can cause significant injury to your pet's feet or paws.
Some lava-covered trails may be suitable for dogs wearing appropriate protective footwear. Please keep your pet's safety in mind when exploring any areas within El Malpais. Pet PoliciesWhile we welcome pets at El Malpais National Monument, it is important to keep the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 36 §2.15 in mind for the safety of your pet and the national monument's natural and cultural resources. These regulations make the following prohibited:
Certain areas within El Malpais National Monument are closed to all pets at all times, including all caves, lava tubes, lava trenches, archeological and historical sites, government buildings, and government vehicles. There are exceptions for service animals. Pack AnimalsWe consider some pets to be pack animals for the purposes of transporting equipment. These include:
Use of these animals is prohibited everywhere other than established roads, and no free-trailing or loose-herding of pack animals is authorized. |
Last updated: July 5, 2023