//
National monument in New Mexico, United States
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Charles at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
El Malpais National Monument is a national monument located south of I-40 in northwestern New Mexico. The name (meaning "the badlands" in Spanish) comes from the rough, barren lava flow that makes up much of its terrain.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Open seasonally on Hwy 53 in El Malpais National Monument, this small visitor information center offers cave permits, information, restrooms, and a Western National Parks Association Bookstore.
Located outside of the park on exit 85 off I-40 in Grants, NM, the El Malpais Visitor Center is staffed by park rangers from the National Park Service. Stop in for maps, information, orientation, cave permits, a Western National Parks Association bookstore, museum exhibits, and park movies.
The largest of New Mexico's accessible natural arches, this massive sandstone formation lies just off of Highway 117 in the park's eastern section. A short trail leads to the base of the arch.
A privately owned and operated cave within the park, this volcanic area is perpetually below freezing, allowing the creation of greenish ice formations that average in thickness. Admission is from $7-15 per person.
On the west side of Highway 117, this overlook offers a dramatic viewpoint of the park's lava flows and the impressive sandstone cliffs that border them.
This cave entry is a short walk from the parking area. The cave extends about 1 mile and makes a great introduction to caving for those wanting to explore.
This cave requires physical fitness and dexterity as climbing is required in several places. Definitely not for the novice caver.
This cave was named for its large entrance. The floor of this cave is covered with a considerable amount of rubble that has fallen from its ceiling, making footing extremely uneven.
This trail leads over lava formations and past sinkholes to a high lava wall. The trail follows rock cairns and is often uneven, and the heat can be intense during the summer months.
This ancient Puebloan trail follows a prehistoric trade route between Zuni and Acoma Pueblos. This is a strenuous more than 7½-mile one-way hike across 4 of the major lava flows in this region. The trail follows rock cairns over very difficult terrain; plan on taking at least 5 hours to cover the full 7½ miles.
Off Highway 117 near the Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, this campground is not within the park's borders, but is located within the El Malpais National Conservation Area and is operated by the BLM. Services are primitive and no fees are charged.
4 miles south of La Ventana Arch along Highway 117 and offering primitive services.
By plane
The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque, about 90 miles (150 km) away and only slightly farther from El Malpais than Gallup is.
By bicycle
A mountain bike is a good alternative to driving when exploring the park's backcountry.
By foot
Hiking routes exist throughout the monument. Most traverse lava flows and are marked with rock cairns. Few dirt routes exist.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Gallup · Regional · GUP
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about El Malpais National Monument and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.