Good to know
- Tickets
- Free. There is no entrance fee; a free caving permit is required to enter lava tubes.
- Time needed
- Half a day to a full day for overlooks, a short hike and a lava tube.
- Best time
- May to October, when caves are open. Spring and fall are the most comfortable for hiking.
- Getting there
- Grants is at the northern edge, with the visitor center off I-40 exit 85. Albuquerque International Sunport is about 1 hour 15 minutes away by car.
Where to stay nearby
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El Malpais National Monument questions
Which caves are open at El Malpais?
Giant Ice Cave and Lava Bomb Cave are open from May 1 to October 31 with a free permit. Other caves stay closed to protect bats.
How do I get a caving permit at El Malpais?
Pick one up in person at the El Malpais or El Morro visitor center. Groups need 2 to 10 people and must follow bat-protection rules.
What does El Malpais mean?
It is Spanish for the badlands, a name early Spanish settlers gave to the rough lava country.
