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El Malpais National Monument

Grants, NM

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.

CONTACTS

Email - Leslie_DeLong@nps.gov

Fax- 505-285-5661

Write to
123 E. Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020

Phone
Headquarters - 505-285-4641
Visitor Information - 505-783-4774
Visitor Information - 505-876-2783

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
The monument is always open to visitors except for the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook that closes at dusk. El Malpais Information Center is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time, but is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Getting There
PLANE - Major airlines serve Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is 72 miles west of 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.

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 daily. Exit 85 at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85 and is open daily. 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 daily.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Greyhound bus lines has limited service to Grants, NM.

Weather & Climate
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.

Accessibility
Accessibility is limited. A portion of Sandstone Bluffs Overlook is wheelchair accessible as is a short loop trail at the Zuni-Acoma Trailhead. Restroom facilities at areas throughout the monument are accessible. El Malpais Information Center, the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, and the BLM ranger station are also accesible.

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, 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. Entry to most caves reuqires permits in advance of your visit. Use extreme caution hiking on lava terrain - its sharp and unstable! Please don't hike or cave alone.

FEES/PERMITS

Permits
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Free! for 14 Days
Only certain areas of the monument are open to primitive camping. Please call for information

CAVING

Only 5 caves are open to visitors without a permit. Permits for other caves must be obtained prior to your visit. Call for information.

CAMPING

The Narrows
Open All Year
A primitive camping area administered by the Bureau of Land Management within the conservation area. The Narrows camping area is located on NM 117 on the east side of the conservation area. Check-in with the BLM Ranger Station located on NM 117.
For More Information on this campground please call 505-240-0300

FACILITIES

Visitor Centers
EL MALPAIS INFORMATION CENTER
Open All Year 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone - 505-783-4774
Location - The center is located 23 miles south of Grants, on NM 53.
Closures - Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day
Special Programs - Rangers conduct a variety of programs, hikes and demonstrations during summer months. A favorite is our Bat Flight program conducted June-August. Join a ranger for a guided hike to observe bats in their natural environment.This program may be cancelled without notice due to bad weather.
Exhibits - Exhibits about volcanology and natural history, bookstore and area information.
Available Facilities - Picnic tables, water and restrooms are available.

NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO VISITOR CENTER
Phone - 505-876-2783
Location - Just south of I-40 at Exit 85 in Grants, New Mexico.
Closures - Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.
Special Programs - A variety of interpretive programs, events, and demonstrations occur throughout the year. Call ahead for information and exact dates.
Exhibits - Exhibits include cultural and natural topics, local art work, and trip planning information.
Available Facilities - Picnicking, water, a bookstore, theater and trip planning services.

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