El Malpais National Monument

National Treasure Visited #41 on Shea’s Ultimate American Quest
First Experienced During Quest On: January 2, 2025

El Malpais National Monument is a wild, haunting testament to Earth’s fiery past and nature’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Born of ancient lava flows and volcanic fury, this rugged New Mexico landscape is a living sculpture—jagged basalt fields, yawning lava tubes, and surreal sandstone bluffs rising defiantly into the sky. “El Malpais,” Spanish for “the badlands,” may hint at harshness, but there’s nothing bad about this otherworldly masterpiece—it’s a national treasure forged in fire and preserved in mystery.

Here, time slows. Every twisted juniper and wind-swept ridge tells stories of resilience. Indigenous peoples walked these paths long before us, honoring the land’s spirit and power. Today, it’s a sanctuary for explorers, wanderers, and guardians of the wild. Stargazers are rewarded with skies unspoiled by artificial light, and hikers find solitude in the silence of lava-cracked trails.

El Malpais isn’t just a monument—it’s a reminder of why we protect our national sites. These landscapes ignite our imaginations, challenge our perspectives, and connect us to something eternal. Preserving El Malpais is to honor the untamed spirit of the American wilderness.

A massive rock arch towers above a dense forest of green trees. The arch, composed of layered brown and beige stone, is set against a clear blue sky. The cave-like opening beneath the arch reveals more rugged rock textures. The surrounding landscape is rugged and natural.

Shea's Videos and Travel Journal Entries Tagged with El Malpais National Monument

A man wears a green cap with "The Hiking CEO Shea Oliver" logo, surrounded by cacti in the Sonoran Desert with rocky hills behind. Inset photos capture him savoring a sandwich, and navigating a rocky path. Text reads, "Shea’s Rapid Recap #33, Back on the Road for 2025 and in the Sonoran Desert.
Back on the Road for 2025 and Happily in the Sonoran Desert
I'm back on the road and to the Sonoran desert after leaving Colorado and driving for two days, with a few stops along the way to eat and explore the El Malpais National Monument.
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Scenic view of La Ventana Natural Arch in a rugged canyon landscape. This stunning feature is part of El Malpais National Monument, surrounded by steep cliffs in shades of tan and orange. In the foreground, green trees thrive among scattered rocks under a clear blue sky, enhancing the arch's grandeur.
El Malpais National Monument – La Ventana Natural Arch
Although this wasn't much of a hike, I knew I wanted to stop and see one of the largest natural arches in New Mexico while I passed through the El Malpais National Monument.
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Under the clear blue sky with wispy clouds, the sandstone bluffs at El Malpais National Monument create a breathtaking landscape. The arid terrain features light brown and dark orange tones that highlight the textured, weathered rocks, while shadows emphasize their rugged contours and natural arches.
El Malpais National Monument – Sandstone Bluffs
I didn't realize that I'd be driving through the El Malpais National Monument as I headed toward Arizona, but when I saw the signs, I knew I could add another national site to my list.
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Sun shines brightly over a rugged mountain landscape with steep cliffs. A paved path winds through sparse vegetation and shrubs in the foreground. The sky is clear with a few wispy clouds, creating a peaceful natural scene.
Rock formations in a desert landscape under a bright blue sky. The foreground features a large, arching rock overhang with a rough texture. In the background, rugged, sunlit cliffs with eroded surfaces create shadows. The golden hue of the rocks contrasts with the clear sky.
A person wearing a green cap and glasses smiles in front of a sign that reads "Entering El Malpais National Monument. No Hunting or Collecting." The background features a dry, grassy landscape under a clear blue sky.
A towering sandstone cliff under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. The sun peeks over the top, creating a soft halo effect. Dense green trees and shrubs dot the rocky base, providing contrast against the pale beige rock face.
Rocky landscape with tan and rugged cliffs under a clear blue sky. Sparse vegetation and trees dot the terrain. Wispy clouds streak across the sky, and mountains are visible in the distant horizon. Sunlight streams in from the upper left corner, creating a bright lens flare.
A rugged trail leads to a large, natural sandstone arch set in a cliff face under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds. Surrounding the arch are rocky formations and sparse greenery, with a metal railing lining the path's edge. The scene is serene and majestic.
Learn More:
National Park Service
or
Bureau of Land Management
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