El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument encompasses a volcanic area holding many surprises. Lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges and complex lava tubes are just some of the natural wonders that highlight the landscape. Animals and plants thrive in the high desert environment of the monument. Prehistoric ruins, ancient cairns, rock structures, and homesteads remind us of days of old. The volcanic terrain is rugged, so visitors should come prepared. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, spelunking and primitive camping. There are very few trails at El Malpais National Monument, but cairned routes lead hikers to interesting features.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Kayci CookPhone Number: 505-783-4774
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Cerro Encierro; La Ventana Natural Arch; The Narrows
Important Dates
Established as Park: December 31, 1987By The Numbers
Acres: 114,277.00Highest Point: El Morro (7460 feet)
Annual Visitation: 107,792 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :34.885150 / -107.991960 (map it)
State: NM
Nearby Big City: Grants, NM
Gateway Communities: Grants, NM; Milan, NM; San Fidel, NM; San Rafael, NM
Nearby Airports: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
In Detail
Centennial Initiative 2016 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their lives and inspires people to both experience ... read more.
History Designation On December 31, 1987, Public Law 100-225 established El Malpais National Monument and El Malpais National Conservation Area in the State of New Mexico. The Act set aside for t ... read more.
In A Nutshell Directions By Plane Major airlines serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is 72 miles east of the monument. Rental vehicles are available in Albuquerque and limited rentals are available in Grants, NM ... read more.
Planning Your Visit El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area encompass over 350,000 acres. Whether you have an hour or a week, this area offers experiences that range from self- ... read more.
El Malpais In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
