El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area

Pahoehoe lava, McCartys Lava Flow.

Ponderosa Pine on lava flow.

Sandstone Bluffs in El Malpais National Monument.

In Spanish, El Malpais means "the badlands." This monument preserves a startlingly beautiful volcanic area of more than 114,000 acres and is easily accessible from Interstate 40.

On NM 117 (exit 89 off I-40), just nine miles south, the El Malpais Bureau of Land Management Ranger Station is a convenient stop for information about this diverse area. The Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, Acoma-Zuni Trailhead, La Ventana Natural Arch, and the Lava Falls Area are all accessed from NM 117, which offers a scenic drive between McCarty's lava flow and beautiful sandstone bluffs.

Off I-40 at Exit 85, the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center offers free travel information for the Four Corners Area, as well as in-depth information about the monument and conservation area.

On the west side of the monument, NM 53 (exit 81 off I-40) offers access to the Zuni-Acoma Trail. This strenuous hike, 7.5 miles one-way, crosses four of the five major lava flows, following an ancient trade route between Zuni and Acoma Pueblos.

Also accessed from NM 53 is the El Calderon Area, which offers a three-mile, self-guided loop hike that explores the monument's oldest lava flow, lava tube features and a cinder cone.

Continue west on NM53 and visit the El Malpais Information Center. Here displays depict the volcanic story and a small bookstore offers more in-depth items. Rangers are available to provide information.

The Big Tubes Area, part of the largest lava tube system in the continental United States, is accessed off NM 53 via County Road 42, a dirt road that is not always passable during inclement weather. Here a rugged, rock cairn route leads to Big Skylight Cave, Four Windows Cave, Caterpillar Collapse, and Seven Bridges. Check with the Information Center for current road conditions and equipment needed for a safe adventure.

Dirt roads may be impassable during inclement weather. High clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended for primitive road travel.

There are no designated campgrounds with water or electricity, but primitive camping is allowed. It's recommend that campers obtain a free overnight permit at the Information Center.

Be prepared for any kind of weather; wear sturdy boots, a hat, and carry a gallon of water per person per day. If you plan to explore wild caves, a helmet, gloves, long pants, sturdy boots, warm jacket, and three flashlights per person (including extra bulbs and batteries) are recommended.

Entry into caves other than Junction Cave, Zenolith Cave, Big Skylight Cave, Four Windows Cave, and Braided Cave requires a permit. Braided Cave is subject to voluntary closure from May through October to protect a maternity colony of Townsend's big-eared bats.