New Mexico Tourism | Western

Historical Figures: Archbishop Lamy, Charles Bent, Billy the Kid, Kit Carson, Willa Cather, Flying Priest, Pat Garrett, Greer Garson, Geronimo, Conrad Hilton, Mable Dodge Lujan, Fred Lambert, John Gaw Meems, Robert Ollinger, Millicent Rogers, Will Schuster, Carrie Tingley, Lew Wallace
Museums: American International Rattlesnake Museum, City of Las Cruces Log Cabin Museum, Cleveland Roller Mill Museum, E.L. Blumenschein Home & Museum, Kit Carson Home & Museum, Farmington Museum, El Malpais National Monument, Fort Selden State Monument, Fort Union National Monument, Harvey House Museum, Historical Center For Southeast New Mexico, Lincoln State Monument, Las Vegas City Museum & Rough Rider Memorial, Miles Mineral Museum, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum, Old Mill Museum, Palace of the Governors, Pecos National Historical Park, Raton Museum, Roosevelt County Museum, Silver City Museum, Tucumcari Historical Museum

El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais means the badlands but this volcanic area holds many surprises. Lava flows, cinder cones, pressure ridges and complex lava tubes dominate the landscape. A closer look reveals high desert environments where animals and plants thrive. Prehistoric ruins, ancient cairns, rock structures, and homesteads remind us of past times. It brings up visions of outlaws, setters, and all the strong folk who roamed this land.

The jagged volcanic terrain influences a variety of activities such as hiking, spelunking and primitive camping. Very few trails exist at El Malpais National Monument. Rather, cairned routes lead hikers to interesting features. These piles of rocks blend in well with the lava flows and are often difficult to sight. Hikers need to be prepared to apply route-finding skills to avoid becoming lost.

El Malpais National Monument
123 East Roosevelt Avenue
Grants, NM 87020
Phone (505) 783-4774
www.nps.gov/elma/