El Malpais National Monument
El Malpais National Monument preserves a unique mix of volcanic rocks, lava flows, and rock formations east of Albuquerque. El Malpais roughly translates to “the bad place” in Spanish (okay, it’s technically the bad land), so many jokes were made comparing it to Milwaukee. The park offers unique hikes and stunning views a short drive away from Albuquerque.
Address and Location
You’ll find the Visitor’s Center at 1900 Santa Fe Trail in Grants, New Mexico. It’s right off Exit 85 on I-40. You can access the different trailheads and sites from either NM 53 (off of Exit 81) or NM 117 (off of Exit 89).
Cost
Exploring El Malpais National Monument is free!
What to Do
Head to the Visitor’s Center first to explore the different exhibits and to create your plan of attack. The Visitor’s Center is new and is a really nice building (it also has water bottle filling stations!). The majority of the trails, sites, and campgrounds are situated along two parallel New Mexico highways. Chat with a Ranger to figure out the best sites for you to see. You can definitely start at El Malpais, explore the sites along NM 117, then head over to NM 53 to El Morro National Monument.
Sandstone Bluffs
We headed out on NM 117, and we made Sandstone Bluffs, a natural rock formation, our first stop. It sits about 10 miles off Exit 89 and can be accessed along an unpaved (but graded) road. Look for the signs indicating the turn-on on your right if coming from the Visitor’s Center. You can climb over and around the bluffs to explore the views of the lava field and Mount Taylor. But be sure to watch your footing.
La Ventana Natural Arch
We then headed out to La Ventana Natural Arch. It’s another 7 or so miles past the Sandstone Bluffs. You’ll see a turn-off into a paved parking lot on your left. This was the highlight of El Malpais for me. You’ll find a paved sidewalk trail with a slight incline leading up to a scenic overview. From there, you can continue down a graded gravel trail with a bit steeper incline to the base of the arch.
Dark Sky Park
If you’re a camper, plan a night in El Malpais. It’s one of several Dark Sky parks in the area. You’ll be able to take in the glory of the Milky Way. After our experience in Big Bend National Park, I vote that everyone spend at least one night in a Dark Sky Park.
New Mexico National Park Service sites: Your guide to the New Mexico National Parks | Aztec Ruins National Monument | White Sands National Park | Fort Union National Monument | Pecos National Historic Park | Valles Caldera National Preserve | Los Alamos Manhattan Project National Historic Park | Bandelier National Monument | Carlsbad Caverns National Park | Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument | Petroglyph National Monument | El Morro National Monument | El Malpais National Monument |
