Park Search El Malpais National Monument Grants, NM U.S.A. 123 East Roosevelt Ave. This park encompasses a startlingly beautiful volcanic area of 114,277 acres and is accessible by NM 117 and 53. An easy drive on NM 117 leads to Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, offering excellent vistas of lava flows. The Zuni-Acoma Trail, 7.5 miles one way, crosses four of the five major lava flows as it follows an ancient trade route between the Zuni and Acoma Pueblos. A cairn route off County Road 42 leads to Four Windows and Big Skylight Caves, and to Caterpillar and Seven Bridges Collapses, part of the largest tube system in the Continental United States.
Hiking trails exist throughout the monument and most are marked with rock cairns.
There are no campgrounds, running water or electricity, but primitive camping is allowed. It is recommended that hikers be prepared for any kind of weather, wear sturdy boots and hats, carry a gallon of water per person per day in summer. Roads may be impassable during inclement weather. For exploring caves, a helmet, gloves, long pants, warm jacket and three flashlights per person are recommended. Some activities require a permit which should be obtained before your trip.