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 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!

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook offers a beautiful view over the vast volcanic landscape of El Malpais.

Yellow sandstone cliff at sunset with dark lava field in background

Wildflowers on the El Calderon Trail

Enjoy a stroll along the El Calderon Trail to view beautiful wildflowers in summer.

Hiking in Summer

Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

A vast expanse of lava fields as seen from Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

Summer at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook

View from El Calderon

A hike to the top of El Calderon cinder cone offers one a view of the entire monument.

Summer view from El Calderon cinder cone

Lava Tube Cave

Explore lava tube caving at El Malpais National Monument

Lava Tube caving at El Malpais