El Malpais National Monument

"It was a short drive from the visitor center to see the arch & it was such a great experience to see the second largest natural arch in New Mexico in person! The whole experience on walking on these valcono formations & seeing cravings on the wall by humans from hundreds of years ago was surreal!"

"El Malpais National Monument is an awe-inspiring destination that blends rugged volcanic landscapes with serene desert beauty. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the vastness and variety of the terrain—lava flows, sandstone bluffs, cinder cones, and the stunning La Ventana Arch all made for an unforgettable experience. We started our visit at the Sandstone Bluffs, which offered panoramic views that were absolutely breathtaking. The short hike to La Ventana Arch was easy and rewarding, and the arch itself is a natural wonder. We also explored the Lava Falls area, which felt like walking on another planet—challenging but totally worth it if you're up for a bit of scrambling. The visitor center (when open) is informative and welcoming, with friendly rangers who are passionate about the park’s geology and history. Even when it was temporarily closed, we found plenty of signage and online resources to guide us. This park is perfect for those who love geology, solitude, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a sense of wonder. We’re already planning a return trip to explore the lava tubes and hike more of the trails! A stunning landscape by land and from the air."

"Loved sandstone bluff overlook. So quiet. The lava falls trail was cool to see the lava flows."

"This monument was awesome. We are driving through NM and saw a sign for this place. We decided to take a quick pit stop and it was totally worth it. It only takes just a few minutes of great paved road to see true beauty. 10/10 worth it."

"We visited El Malpais National Monument in July last year, and it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly rewarding stops of our trip. One of the biggest highlights for us was the campground, which turned out to be a hidden gem. It’s rustic and minimalistic in the best way, no frills, just pure, quiet solitude. We barely saw anyone else during our stay, and that seclusion made it feel like we had the entire place to ourselves. If you’re looking for a place to truly disconnect and get away from the crowds, this is it. Don’t skip the Sandstone Bluffs overlook or La Ventana Natural Arch, both are stunning. We explored a few short trails and scenic overlooks, and even in the summer heat, the dramatic landscape kept us captivated. If you’re into geology, photography, or just crave quiet places that still feel wild and untouched, El Malpais will absolutely deliver. This place is seriously underrated. We almost skipped it, and now it’s one of the spots we talk about the most from that trip."