While this is an open forum, it is a family-friendly one, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. Be aware that we may remove posts and comments that are inappropriate.Plan to see El Malpais National Monument and other attractions that appeal to you using our Grants tour itinerary tool.
We do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racist comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are violent, abusive, hateful, or intended to defame anyone or any organization.
We do not allow comments that threaten, defame or violate the privacy of any person.
Comments including phone numbers, e-mail addresses, residential addresses or similar information will be removed.
We do not allow solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.
We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity.
We do not allow comments that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems.
You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided.
The appearance of external links on this site does not constitute official endorsement on behalf of the National Park Service.
Communication made through this service’s e-mail and/or messaging system will not constitute a legal or official notice or comment to the National Park Service or any official or employee of the National Park Service.
ElMalpaisNPS is a Facebook fan page established by the National Park Service in March 2012 as an interpretive outreach forum to strengthen public connections to park resources, and to encourage visitors to share experiences of the park with each other. You are welcome to "like" and comment on status updates, links, photos, and video clips posted here by park staff and volunteers.
If you wish to express a comment about something related to the park in a formal and official capacity, several established methods and mechanisms are at your disposal. To get started, please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/elma or contact the park directly by mail at 123 E. Roosevelt Ave, Grants, NM 87020. Contact the park via telephone at 505-876-2783 or 505-783-4774.
El Malpais National Monument is located in the west half of New Mexico near Grants. The monument was established in 1987 and preserves an authorized boundary of 114,277 acres. The monument is made up primarily of volcanic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges and complex lava tube systems, however; sandstone bluffs and mesas can be found along the borders on the eastern side.
People have interacted with the landscape in and around the monument for more than 10,000 years. The monument is filled with many historic and archeological sites, which are kept alive by the spiritual and physical presence of contemporary Indian groups, including the Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as the Ramah Navajo. These tribes continue their ancestral uses of area lands including lands within the monument by continuing to gather herbs and medicines, paying respect to their heritage and ancestors and renewing ties.
Most visitors come to the monument during the summer months. Travel within the monument can be challenging however as many of the access points are from dirt and lava covered trails, which, for the most part, are not routinely maintained. Access to some areas close due to snow and rain.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!
El Malpais National Monument reviews
-
This is a treasure, must drive here. Need to see the lava rocks too. Pretty easy hiking. A bit out of the way, but worth it!
This is a treasure, must drive here. Need to see the lava rocks too. Pretty easy hiking. A bit out of the way, but worth it! more »
-
There are several places in the park where you can see outstanding views of rock formations & lava beds.
There are several places in the park where you can see outstanding views of rock formations & lava beds. more »
-
Windy and scenic
-
It was amazing to hear about all of the volcanoes that are/were in New Mexico and the size of the lava fields….we had no idea! This was a great day; the visitor centre staff were very pleasant with lots of information. We went to the bluffs first which I imagine would be amazing at sunset! We then drive to the arch which was very cool and Lava falls which was cool to walk around! Recommend the trip!
Plan your trip to Grants
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Grants
Side trips from Grants
Trips in El Malpais National Monument by other users
9 days in Northwest New Mexico
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Grants
Farmington
Gallup
28 days in Rio Rancho
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
J&R Vintage Auto Museum
Coronado Historic Site
Canyon Trail
42 days in New Mexico
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Albuquerque
Jemez Springs
Grants
14 days in Gallup
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Gallup Cultural Center
Navajo Code Talker Museum
White House Ruin
43 days in New Mexico
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Albuquerque
San Antonio
Alamogordo
49 days in New Mexico
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Albuquerque
Truth or Consequences
Alamogordo