Closure
All lava tube caves closed November 1 through April 30
All park lava tube caves are closed for the winter from November 1 through April 30 to protect hibernating bats.
Posted or updated Oct 15, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
National Monument
El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument is a National Monument in New Mexico. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts (2 closures), 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center, and no entrance fee.
New Mexico National Monument No entrance fee
Updated · NPS Data API
About the park
“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.”
Active alerts
3
Closures
2
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
Current alerts and closures
3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 2 closures, 0 danger, 1 caution and 0 information.
Closure
El Calderon Trail closed for construction through November 2026
The El Calderon Trail and parking area are closed from August 2025 through November 2026 for a major improvement project. NPS Road 100 will remain open for local traffic only, and the Continental Divide Trail will remain open for CDT thru-hikers.
Posted or updated Sep 22, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Caution
NPS 300 Road Conditions
NPS 300 to Big Tubes has not been evaluated since the most recent thunderstorms. A high clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. The road past Big Tubes is very rough and only accessible to high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Posted or updated Oct 21, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Entrance fees and passes
This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.
Things to do
El Malpais Night Skies
Explore the Milky Way, countless stars, and planets any time of year! You don’t have to travel far into El Malpais to look deep into space!
1-8 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Explore Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
Gaze across one of the youngest lava flows in the continental U.S. from the vantage of a high sandstone bluff created during the time of the dinosaurs. Explore the cliffs for different views, including a glimpse of New Mexico's second highest mountain!
15-60 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Follow Ancient Footpaths on the Zuni-Acoma Trail
Hike across a historic trail that connects the pueblos of Acoma and Zuni. This strenuous 7.5 mile hike is an El Malpais classic hike.
2-8 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
See all 8 things to do in El Malpais →
Activities the NPS lists for El Malpais.
Arts and CultureAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyCampingBackcountry CampingCavingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingHikingHunting and GatheringGathering and ForagingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park Store
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Operating hours
El 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…
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
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).
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 5058762783
- [email protected]
- Address
- 1900 E. Santa Fe Ave., Grants, NM 87020
- Coordinates
- 34.8842, -107.9951· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Malpais Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 5058762783 | Yes |
Campgrounds
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/elma/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.