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 extraordinary terrain for generations. Come visit the land of frozen fire!
Current Alerts
- CautionNPS 300 Road Conditions
On August 18, NPS 300 to Big Tubes was mostly dry with some wet spots. The road received over 2 inches of rain over the following week. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. The road past Big Tubes is very rough and only accessible to high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
More info → - CautionRoad work at El Malpais Visitor Center
Repaving of the El Malpais Visitor Center parking lot will occur in early August. The visitor center will remain open, but slight delays are possible. Please follow construction signage and directions.
- Park ClosureEl Calderon Trail closed for construction through September 2026
The El Calderon Trail and parking area are closed from August 2025 through September 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.
More info → - InformationVisitor center bookstore closed August 26 for inventory
The Western National Parks (WNP) bookstore at the El Malpais Visitor Center will be closed for annual inventory on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The rest of the visitor center will be open as usual from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can shop your western national parks online at the link below. Thank you for your understanding!
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Cactus Curiosities Guided HikeSat Sep 05 2026Location TBD. Stay tuned.