Operating Hours & Seasons

 

Park Hours

El Malpais National Monument is open year-round. Trails and trailheads are open 24 hours a day with the exception of Sandstone Bluffs Overlook which is open from sunrise to sunset. No overnight camping or parking is permitted at trailhead parking areas.

The El Malpais Visitor Center and parking area at Exit 85 off I-40 are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 7 days a week during. No overnight parking is permitted at the visitor center parking lot.

Access to backcountry areas can vary throughout the year. Many of the dirt roads can become impassable after summer rains or winter snowfall. Contact a park ranger during visitor center hours at 505-876-2783 for current road conditions and trail information.

 

 

El Malpais Visitor Center Hours

The El Malpais Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The parking lot is closed nightly at 5:00 pm. The rest of the park is open to visit while the visitor center is closed.

 

Visitor Center Hours