El Malpais National Monument
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 discover the land of fire and ice!
No roads exist through El Malpais National Monument. To explore the east side of the park, take exit 89 off I-40 and head south on Highway 117. To explore the north side of the park, take exit 81 off I-40 and head south on Highway 53. To reach the visitor center, take exit 85 off I-40 in Grants, New Mexico. After you exit, head south on Santa Fe Ave and continue straight over the freeway overpass. Take a left at the entrance sign for El Malpais Visitor Center and continue 300 yards to the parking lot.
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Caving
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Hiking
- Hunting and Gathering
- Gathering and Foraging
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Park Film
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Animals
- Caves, Caverns and Karst
- Fire
- Unique Species
- Rare
- Volcanoes
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook offers a beautiful view over the vast volcanic landscape of El Malpais.
Wildflowers on the El Calderon Trail
Enjoy a stroll along the El Calderon Trail to view beautiful wildflowers in summer.
Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
A vast expanse of lava fields as seen from Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
View from El Calderon
A hike to the top of El Calderon cinder cone offers one a view of the entire monument.
Lava Tube Cave
Explore lava tube caving at El Malpais National Monument