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National Monument

El Malpais National Monument

CautionJun 29, 2026

Road work at El Malpais Visitor Center

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CautionJun 22, 2026

Stage II Fire Restrictions in effect

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CautionJun 22, 2026

NPS 300 Road Conditions

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Yellow sandstone cliff at sunset with dark lava field in background

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook offers a beautiful view over the vast volcanic landscape of El Malpais.

Photo: NPS Kristi Rugg

About

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!

Activities

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyCampingBackcountry CampingCavingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingJunior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store

Directions

No 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 I-40 and head south on Highway 53. To reach the visitor center, take exit 85 off I-40 in Grants, New Mexico. After you exit, head south on Santa Fe Ave and continue straight over the freeway overpass. Take a left at the entrance sign for El Malpais Visitor Center and continue 300 yards to the parking lot.

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Weather

As 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, with potential snow storms and an average high of 45 (F). Spring and fall are generally dry with the occasional storm rain and/or snow storm. For more information on weather and current weather conditions visit https://www.nps.gov/elma/planyourvisit/weather.htm

News

Jun 18, 2026

National Park Service Announces Stage II Fire Restrictions beginning June 22, 2026 for El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments

As a result of the high fire danger, Stage II Fire Restrictions are being implemented in El Malpais and El Morro National Monuments, effective June 22, 2026. These restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of fire to protect public health and safety, and to protect National Park Service lands, resources, and facilities during the current period of increased fire danger. 

El Malpais to Host Volcano Festival on March 21
Feb 23, 2026

El Malpais to Host Volcano Festival on March 21

El Malpais National Monument invites you to join us for a Volcano Festival at the El Malpais Visitor Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.