Environmental Factors

The view south from the panoramic windows of the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center off I-40 Exit 85. Full resolution image (1280x800 pixels) -->
Weather can change dramatically during the summer monsoon season. NPS Photo Weather Conditions at El Malpais can vary during any season of the year due to the influences of its high elevation, nearby mountain ranges, and dark lava flows. Trends of similar or different weather patterns create a climate that is challenging both for local plant and animal life and human visitors alike.