Appease all members of your traveling troupe based out of Galena, a small-town destination with a quaint historic downtown that also just happens to be close to great golf greens, two big rivers, a myriad of trails and a selection of winter snow-sport possibilities.
The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais offers solitude, recreation, and discovery. Explore cinder cones, lava tube caves, sandstone bluffs, and hiking trails. Wildlife abounds in the open grasslands and forests. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come discover the land of fire and ice!
Hours + Fees
Hours:
Anytime
Season:
Year-round
Price:
Free
Price Details:
Free
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
El Malpais is located south of Grants, NM. Two major state highways border the monument and conservation area and both are accessed via Interstate 40. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which forms the eastern boundary. BLM’‘s El Malpais Ranger Station is located 9 miles south of this exit and is open daily. Exit 85 at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85 and is open daily. Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which forms the northwestern boundary. NPS’‘s El Malpais Information Center is located 23 miles south of this exit and is open daily.
We offer a compact version of Go-Illinois for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-Illinois on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop.