MAILING ADDRESS
El Malpais National Monument;
P.O. Box 939;
Grants, NM 87020;
Telephone:

DIRECTIONS
The Monument is in the western part of the state. Information is available at Park Headquarters, 620 E. Santa Fe Avenue, Grants, NM (I-40 between Albuquerque and Gallup).

WHEN TO VISIT
Open year round.

POINTS OF INTEREST
El Malpais--"the badlands" in Spanish--is a spectacular volcanic area, partially formed as recently as 1,000 years ago, featuring spatter cones, a 17 mile-long lava tube system, and ice caves. The area is also rich in ancient Pueblo Indian history and features diverse ecosystems.

ACTIVITIES
Primitive camping; self-guiding tours/trails; hiking; bicycling; horseback riding; scenic drives.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Monument includes 376,000 acres of wilderness and conservation area in the lava beds of western New Mexico. The site also contains Anasazi ruins and the state's largest free-standing natural arch.