Located in NM.
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…
Use this page to check live NPS alerts, weather, things to do, events, fees, campgrounds, and build a day-by-day itinerary with Trailie.
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Tell Trailie your dates, pace, and interests — get a day-by-day El Malpais National Monument plan with hikes, drives, and must-see stops.
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Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect until further notice. The following activities are prohibited: building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove and smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle.
NPS 300 to Big Tubes is dry with some rutted areas. Road conditions may change after thunderstorms. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.
The El Calderon Trail and parking area are closed from August 11, 2025, through July 31, 2026, for a major improvement project. NPS Road 100 will remain open for local traffic only, and the Continental Divide Trail will remain open for CDT thru-hikers.
Common questions
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for El Malpais. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.