Sandstone Bluffs Overlook offers a beautiful view over the vast volcanic landscape of El Malpais.
El Malpais National Monument
National Monument · NM
The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as young lava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, and sandstone bluffs. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come visit the land of frozen fire!
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available17 activities
Park Name
InfoEl Malpais National Monument
Designation
InfoNational Monument
State(s)
InfoNM
Phone
Info5058762783
elma_social_media@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoEl Malpais National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the following exceptions: - Sandstone Bluffs Overlook and the West Zuni-Acoma Trail parking lot are open from sunrise to sunset. - El Malpais Visitor Center and parking area is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Winter hours may vary. The visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25th, and January 1st. - El Malpais Emergency Operations Center is currently closed to the public.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: El Malpais Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Themes & Topics
InfoAnimals, Caves, Caverns and Karst, Fire + 3 more
Weather Info
InfoAs a general rule, daily temperatures swing roughly 30 (F) from night lows to afternoon highs. Summer is sunny and hot with monsoon rain storms and an average high of 80 (F). Winter is cool, sunny, wi
Getting There
InfoNo roads exist through El Malpais National Monument. To explore the east side of the park, take exit 89 off I-40 and head south on Highway 117. To explore the north side of the park, take exit 81 off
Location
Info34.8842° N, -107.9951° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website