El Malpais National Monument
4.7(760)google
4.6(33)yelp
CaveHikingNational MonumentVolcano
Overview
El Malpais National Monument is a National Monument located in western New Mexico, in the Southwestern United States. The name El Malpais is from the Spanish term Malpaís, meaning badlands, due to the extremely barren and dramatic volcanic field that covers much of the park's area. It is on the Trails of the Ancients Byway, one of the designated New Mexico Scenic Byways.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-5 hours
Best TimeAutumn from September to November is pristine for exploring these expansive volcanic fields in comfortable temperatures. Map out an evening visit from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook; the low setting sun strikes the sheer cliffs, painting the massive fields of dark, ancient lava flows below in a brilliant, glowing golden-copper contrast.
Getting ThereLocated south of Grants, NM, along State Highway 117. Driving a car is completely mandatory given the vast wilderness scale: take Interstate 40 to exit 89, merge onto NM-117 S, and travel straight south for 23 miles. The National Park Service provides dedicated, free visitor parking lots at major trailheads like La Ventana Arch and the underground ice caves.
Travel Tips
- Exploring unlit lava tubes requires a mandatory free White-Nose Syndrome caving permit from the ranger station; wearing gear used in other states' caves is illegal.
- Lava fields consist of razor-sharp basalt crags that shred mesh sneakers instantly; stiff, heavy-duty leather hiking boots are structurally required.
- The black terrain acts as a heat radiator raising surface temperatures over 110°F amid a total cell blindspot; carry 5L of emergency water per person.
Reviews
Positive
- The vast black lava flows and the majestic La Ventana natural sandstone arch possess intense visual shock; a true badlands marvel.
- For adventure seekers, grabbing a free permit to explore complex underground lava tube caves offers an unparalleled, adrenaline-pumping outdoor trek.
- The famed Sandstone Bluffs overlook is drive-up accessible, rewarding visitors with panoramic views across forests and hardened lava wilderness.
- The monument is completely free to enter and untouched by commercialism; its raw wilderness loneliness deeply cleanses the soul of every hiker.
Heads up
- The lava field trails are highly dangerous! The hardened basalt is razor-sharp and heavily fissured, shredding shoe soles and causing severe injury if you trip.
- The park is massive and highly fragmented; different trailheads flank two separate highways, wasting hours of driving if routes aren't mapped early.
- Core wilderness zones feature zero shade, restrooms, or water; summer ground heat cooks like an oven, risking dehydration and getting lost without GPS.
- Lava tubes feature zero maintained walkways or ambient lighting; the jagged, pitch-black terrain bars casual tourists lacking helmets, backup lights, and boots.