• Sweeping panoramic views of lava flows, cinder cones, and distant mountains can be enjoyed at Sandstone Bluffs.

    El Malpais

    National Monument New Mexico

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • All caves in El Malpais National Monument are closed to recreational use.

    This closure is due to a combination of factors including the outbreak of a fungal disease that is killing millons of bats. Read more at our Nature and Science page. More »

  • Stage 2 Fire Restrictions have been lifted

    Visitors may again use wood and charcoal grilles at designated picnic areas and smoke outside their vehicles, but as always, no fireworks may be discharged. Do your part: don't let a wildfire start! More »

Be a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger badge, book, and certificate from El Malpais National Monument.

NPS Photo

Here's what Junior Rangers earn for completing the mission at El Malpais!

Become a Junior Ranger!

It's easy! You can pick up an El Malpais Junior Ranger book at the BLM Ranger Station, the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, or the Information Center. Take some time to do the activities in the book. Then have it checked by a ranger at any of the three visitor centers. Take the pledge and put the badge on; you've done it! Or, if you can't complete your mission while here, just send it in and we'll send you your badge and certificate!

Did You Know?

Bat on cave wall

Bats are the only mammals that fly. El Malpais National Monument is home to thirteen different species of bats. Pregnant Mexican Free-tailed bats join the resident bats during the summer months but leave once the pups are able to fly. More...