El Malpais National Conservation Area

El Malpais National Conservation Area was established by congress to protect the outstanding archaeological, geological, and wilderness resources surrounding El Malpais lava flows.This NCA has 262,000 acres containing vast lava fields, La Ventana Natural Arch, Cebolla and West Malpais Wildernesses, plus Chain-of-Craters Back Country Byway all of which provide varied recreational possibilities in this "bad country" full of natural wonders.

El Malpais is located south of Grants, NM and 80 miles west of Albuquerque. Two state highways provide access to the national conservation area are accessed via Interstate 40. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which traverses the east side. Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which travels down the Northwestern edge.