NPS day-use trailhead on NM 53 in El Malpais National Monument sampling the monument’s volcanic suite: lava-tube entrances (including Bat Cave), the El Calderon cinder cone (erupted ~30,000–60,000 years ago), and the younger Twin Craters lava flow. A figure-8 loop of up to ~4.8 miles links forested trail, cone rim, and optional primitive-road shortcut; picnic tables and vault toilets at the parking lot.
Field facts
| Region | Cibola County, NM |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34.9697, -108.0031 |
| Managing agency | National Park Service (El Malpais National Monument) |
| Feature | Cinder cone, lava tubes, lava flow |
| Trail length | Up to ~4.8 mi figure-8 (shorten via primitive road) |
| Access | Paved NM 53, ~20 mi south of Grants |
| Fee | Free (standard NPS cave rules apply) |
| Cave permits | Required for most lava tubes; Junction Cave bridge view-only without permit |
Nearby locations
Nearby amenities
- Rec areaEl Malpais Wilderness Study Area6.3 km away
- Rec areaChain of Craters Backcountry Byway8.1 km away
- Rec areaEl Malpais National Monument9.5 km away
- ViewpointThe Narrows At El Malpais Overlook14.5 km away
- RestroomLa Ventana Natural Arch Restroom14.9 km away
- TrailheadLa Ventana Natural Arch Trailhead15 km away
Public recreation data — BLM & Recreation.gov (RIDB). Verify current access, fees, and seasonal closures before traveling.
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