El Malpais means "the badlands" in Spanish and is most commonly pronounced el-mal-pie-EES. Its volcanic features include jagged spatter cones, a lava tube cave system extending at least 17 miles, and fragile ice caves. The area offers diverse natural environments and tantalizing evidence of American Indian and European history. El Malpais was established by Congress to protect the outstanding archaeological, geological, and wilderness resources surrounding El Malpais lava flows.

The National Park Service (NPS) administers El Malpais National Monument, while the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers El Malpais National Conservation Area. This was the first such joint management area established by Congress. The Monument was established in 1987.

None

Two Visitor Centers:

• BLM Visitor Center—Located off N. M. 117, nine miles south of I-40. From I-40 take Exit 89 and drive south through the northern end of the Conservation Area. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
• NPS Visitor Center—Located 23 miles south of I-40 on New Mexico 53.

• Get directions from Google Maps.
• Get directions from MapQuest.
• Get NPS directions.

• Rainfall averages 15 inches annually, with most of that coming in the July, August, and September monsoon season. Unpredictable weather may occur during the monsoon season, which may cause flooding. Thunderstorms are common during these summer rains and lightning poses a hazard to hikers.
• Temperatures range from cold winters (daytime 30 to 50 degrees; nighttime near minus 20 degrees) to warm summers (daytime 80 to 100 degrees; nighttime 40 to 60 degrees).
• See area weather chart.
• See Canyon Country Weather for more information.
• Sunrise/Sunset

• Private lands exist within present boundaries of El Malpais and must be respected. Close all gates and stay on designated roads.
• All vehicles are restricted to designated roads.
• In wilderness areas both vehicles and mechanized equipment are prohibited.
• See National Park Service Restrictions and Regulations.
• See American Antiquities Act of 1906.
• See Pets in the Parks and Backcountry.
• See Encountering Wild Animals.

• Dirt roads may be impassable when wet.
• Falls on lava can cause nasty cuts and abrasions.
• Wear sturdy boots on the rugged, often sharp lava.
• Leather work gloves are helpful on lava and in caves.
• Do not drink surface water.
• Poisonous scorpions and rattlesnakes live in this area. If you encounter a wild animal, do not disturb it.
• See Backcountry Considerations.
• See Backcountry Emergencies.

• Acoma-Zuni Trail
• Armijo Canyon Trail
• Bat Cave Trail
• Big Tubes Trail
• Braided Cave Trail
• Cerro Americano Trail
• Chain of Craters Trail

• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
• Hole-in-the-Wall Trail
• Lava Falls Trail
• Narrows Rim Trail
• Ranger Station Nature Trail
• Zuni-Acoma Trail

• About Maps
• New Mexico Atlas and Gazetteer Top Maps
• New Mexico Maps

• A Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols of the Greater Southwest
• Ambiguous Images: Gender and Rock Art
• Ancient Ruins of the Southwest
• Canyon Country Prehistoric Rock Art
• Complete Guide to America's National Parks
• El Malpais National Monument
• Hiking Ruins Seldom Seen
• Indian Rock Art of the Southwest
• Message on Stone: Selections of Native Western Rock Art

• Petroglyphs and Pictographs of Utah
• Puebloan Ruins of the Southwest
• Rock Art Along the Way
• Rock Art Images of Northern New Mexico
• Rock-Art of the Southwest
• The Sierra Club Guides to the National Parks: Desert Southwest
• The Smithsonian Guide to Historic America: The Desert States
• Those Who Came Before