El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area was established in 1987 and is a relative newcomer to the National Park System. This monument preserves 114,277 acres of which 109,260 acres are federal and 5,017 acres are private. El Malpais means "the badlands" but contrary to its name this unique area holds many surprises, many of which researchers are now unraveling. Volcanic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges and complex lava tube systems dominate the landscape. Closer inspection reveals unique ecosystems with complex relationships. Sandstone bluffs and mesas border the eastern side, providing access to vast wilderness.

For more than 10,000 years people have interacted with the El Malpais landscape. Historic and archeological sites provide reminders of past times. More than mere artifacts, these cultural resources are kept alive by the spiritual and physical presence of contemporary Indian groups, including the Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna,and Zuni, and the Ramah Navajo. These tribes continue their ancestral uses of El Malpais including gathering herbs and medicines, paying respect, and renewing ties.

El Malpais is managed by a joint effort between the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. For information about El Malpais National Conservation Area contact:

Bureau of Land Management
P.O. Box 846
Grants, NM 87020-0846
(505) 287-7911

Visit our expanded pages at www.nps.gov/elma/home.htm

123 E. Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020
505-285-4641 - Headquarters
505-783-4774 - Visitor Information
505-876-2783 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Major airlines serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is 72 miles from the monument. Rental vehicles are available in Albuquerque and limited rentals are available in Grants, NM and Gallup, NM. Greyhound bus lines has limited service to Grants, NM.

By Car
El Malpais is located south of Grants, NM. Two major state highways border the monument and conservation area and both are accessed via Interstate 40. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which forms the eastern boundary. BLM's El Malpais Ranger Station is located 9 miles south of this exit and is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Exit 85, at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85 open 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. the rest of the year. Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which forms the northwestern boundary. NPS's El Malpais Information Center is located 23 miles south of this exit and is open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.

By Plane
Greyhound bus lines has limited service to Grants, NM.

Getting Around
Two state highways provide access to many areas in the monument. These are NM 117 and NM 53. County Road 42, a dirt road, provides access to the backcountry's primitive dirt roads. These roads may be impassable when wet. Travel on these roads is restricted to high clearance vehicles and those with four-wheel drive are preferred. Mountain bikes, hiking and horseback (no bike or horse rentals avaliable) are also means of transportation. Hiking routes exist throughout the monument. Most traverse lava flows and are marked with rock cairns. Few dirt routes exist. Backcountry hiking and cave exploration is permitted(a permit may be required), but no water is avaliable. Topographical maps and a compass or GPS unit are strongly suggested for backcountry exploration. Please stop by a visitor center for the park's caving policy and information prior to entering any cave. Use extreme caution hiking on lava terrain - its sharp and unstable! Please don't hike or cave alone.

El Malpais ranges in elevation from 6500 to 8300 ft. The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during summer afternoons and lightning poses a hazard to hikers. Winter snowstorms are common and nights are cold with below freezing temperatures. Visitors planning to explore lava tube caves need to come prepared with warm clothing, protective headgear, three sources of light, and leather gloves. Sturdy hiking boots are required when hiking on lava terrain and daypacks with water, snacks, raingear, first aid kit and sunscreen are suggested. Backcountry exploration requires planning and rangers at El Malpais Information Center or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center can provide assistance prior to your visit.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing

Recommended Activities
Explore the diverse volcanology of lava flows and associated features dating from 115,000 to 2,000 years old. Photography, sightseeing and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Hike along established routes or make your own way. Go underground and experience the diveristy of life abounding in lava tubes. Picnic or camp. The back country camper is virtually certain of isolation. Connect to past times as you travel ancient routes and explore old homesites. Rangers are eager to help you plan your visit!

Ranger guided activities are available during summer weekends and at special events when available. These include hikes, programs, cave explorations and evening bat flights. Contact El Malpais Information Center or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center for details. Ranger guided programs for educational groups are available by reservation. Contact monument headquarters for information.