El Malpais

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The richly diverse volcanic landscape of El Malpais (el-mal-pie-EES) offers solitude, recreation, and adventure. Explore diverse 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. Discover the land of fire and ice!

Address and Phone 1900 E Santa Fe Ave. Grants, NM 87020 505-783-4226
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David Kroese, author of “The Centennial: A Journey Through America’s National Park System,” reveals the hidden gems of the National Park System with Western National Parks Association’s regional program manager, Caroline Lochner. “The Centennial: A Journey Through America’s National Park System” details David’s compelling explorations of 387 national parks in 360 days. The story continues through December 2017, when he becomes one of fewer than fifty people known to have visited all 417 national parks. Experience the inherent marvels within America’s unique landscape and fascinating history, revealed in engaging context, poetic descriptions, and heartfelt appreciation. This book is available for purchase from http://store.wnpa.org.

Stories from El Malpais

Pathways to Understanding: Archaeological Survey of the Zuni-Acoma Trail

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Are Caves a Source of Bat Microbiota? A Comparison of Microbial Communities in Caves and Cave Roosting Bats in El Malpais National Monument

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Climate and Vegetation Reconstructions Using Ice Cores in Lava Tubes at El Malpais National Monument

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Since our founding in 1938

WNPA has provided more than

$136 million

in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research

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Kids in Parks

National parks are places where kids can dream up great adventures! Taking in amazing scenery. Testing out new skills. Exploring places kids may have only heard about. But most importantly, creating new memories with friends and family.

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What’s Happening at This Park?

Annular Solar Eclipse at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook 10-14-2023 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM Free Join El Malpais National Monument to celebrate the annular eclipse! During this eclipse, the moon covers about 90% of the sun, leaving a "ring of fire" effect of the sun outlining the moon. Enjoy this Sandstone Bluffs Overlook is located approximately 15 minutes south of Interstate 40 Exit 89 on Highway 117.

Annular Solar Eclipse at the El Malpais Visitor Center 10-14-2023 07:00 AM - 12:00 PM Free Join El Malpais National Monument to celebrate the annular eclipse! During this eclipse, the moon covers about 90% of the sun, leaving a "ring of fire" effect of the sun outlining the moon. Enjoy this El Malpais Visitor Center located at 1900 East Santa Fe Ave, Grants NM. Take Exit 85 off I-40 and head south 1/4 mile to reach the visitor center

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07/31/2023 Celebrating the Anniversary of Cooperating Associations: A Story of Passion, Growth, and Support

06/23/2023 Celebrating Black Excellence: The Smithsonian Comes to Nicodemus National Historic Site

02/27/2023 Mother of the Golden Spike

01/26/2023 Ernestine – Nicodemus’ Queen of BBQ

11/02/2022 Turkey Talk

10/27/2022 Family Day Event Promotes Social-Emotional Resilience in Children

Our public lands are our public commons. They belong to all of us as part of our natural and cultural heritage. They remind us of a larger world that has existed long before the arrival of humans and will survive long after we are gone. –Terry Tempest Williams, Author & Conservationist

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