Trailwind
National monument · NM

El Malpais National Monument

National Park Service
DesignationNational monument
StateNM
Managed byNational Park Service
Best seasonMay–Oct
On the map
Map showing the location of El Malpais National Monument

About El Malpais National Monument

The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore incredible geologic features such as young lava flows, cinder cones, lava tubes, 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!

Things to do

Auto touringHistoric & cultural siteCampingHikingWildlife viewing

When to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best May–OctAverage low–high: 48–74°FAverage monthly sunny share of daylight: 67%2.5 wet days / month
Weather data & source

Each figure averages the highlighted months. 2018–2023 averages, not a forecast. Wet days estimate days with at least 1 mm of rain or snow using a calibrated ERA5 threshold. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (AWS Open Data, CC BY 4.0). ERA5 via Open-Meteo AWS Open Data

Plan your visit

El Malpais National Monument is managed by National Park Service. Check current conditions, permits, and reservations before you go.

See it on Recreation.gov →