El Malpais National Conservation Area

About El Malpais National Conservation Area

The El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) was established in 1987 to protect nationally significant geological, archaeological, ecological, cultural, scenic, scientific, and wilderness resources surrounding the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field. El Malpais translates to "the badlands" in Spanish. The NCA features dramatic sandstone cliffs, canyons, La Ventana Natural Arch, Chain of Craters Back Country Byway, Joe Skeen Campground, the Narrows Picnic Area, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas – offering exceptional opportunities for photography, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.For more than 10,000 years, people have interacted with the El Malpais landscape. Historic and prehistoric sites provide connections to the past. These cultural resources remain alive through the spiritual and physical presence of contemporary Indigenous peoples, including the Ramah Navajo and Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, who continue their ancestral uses of El Malpais, including gathering plant materials, paying respect, and renewing ties to this land. Visitors should exercise caution during the monsoon season due to unpredictable weather and flash flooding. All visitors should come prepared with water, sturdy hiking boots, snacks, rain gear, a first aid kit, and sunscreen. Exploring BLM lava tube caves requires warm clothing, protective headgear, three sources of light, and leather gloves. Volunteer camp host applications are accepted year-round. Please email rbob@blm.gov if interested.

How to Get There

Two state highways provide access to the NCA from I-40. Exit 89 (east of Grants) takes you along NM Highway 117, providing access to the BLM Ranger Station, several developed recreation sites, and Cebolla Wilderness. Exit 81 (west of Grants) takes you along NM Highway 53, providing access to Continental Divide Trail trailheads, West Malpais Wilderness, Hole-in-the-Wall trailhead, and El Calderon (National Park Service). BLM Ranger Station Located 9 miles south of I-40 Exit 89 on NM Highway 117. 906 NM-117, Grants, NM 87020. The above GPS coordinates correspond to this location. (505) 280-2918El Malpais National Monument Visitor Center (National Park Service)1900 E Santa Fe Ave. Grants, New Mexico 87020. (505) 876-2783. Continental Divide National Scenic TrailFrom NM Highway 53: Drive southwest from NM Highway 53 to County Road (CR) 42. Turn south on CR 42 and continue approximately 5 miles to the trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead, and the trail is marked with a rock cairn across from the parking area.From NM Highway 117: Drive south on Highway 117 until you reach CR 42. Continue approximately 9 miles on CR 42 to the trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead, and the trail is marked with a rock cairn adjacent to the parking area.Dittert Site To reach the Dittert Site, drive south on NM Highway 117 for 22.6 miles until you reach CR 41, also known as Pietown Road. Head south on CR 41 for approximately 3.7 miles until you see the Armijo Canyon sign on the ea

Plan Your Visit to El Malpais National Conservation Area

Heading to El Malpais National Conservation Area? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)