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. NPS Kristi Rugg

El Malpais National Monument

National Monument · New Mexico · National Park Service

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!

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Phone
5058762783
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Animals · Caves, Caverns and Karst · Fire · Unique Species · Rare · Volcanoes

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Caving · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hiking · Hunting and Gathering · Gathering and Foraging · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Park Film · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Hiking in Summer
    NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
  • Summer at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
    NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
  • Summer view from El Calderon cinder cone
    NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
  • Lava Tube caving at El Malpais
    NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson

Nearby parks

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Sources: National Park Service · updated 2026-08-12