El Malpais National Monument

A vast expanse of lava fields as seen from Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as lava flows, cinder cones, lava tube caves, and sandstone bluffs. While some may see a desolate environment, people have been adapting to and living in this extraordinary terrain for generations. Come visit the land of frozen fire!
Map showing location of park.
Yellow sandstone cliff at sunset with dark lava field in background
Photo by NPS Kristi Rugg
Hiking in Summer
Photo by NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
Summer at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook
Photo by NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
Summer view from El Calderon cinder cone
Photo by NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson
Lava Tube caving at El Malpais
Photo by NPS Photo/ Maci MacPherson