El Malpais National Conservation Area

The El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) was established in 1987 to protect nationally significant geological, archaeological, ecological, cultural, scenic, scientific, and wilderness resources surrounding the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field. El Malpais translates to "the badlands" in Spanish. The NCA features dramatic sandstone cliffs, canyons, La Ventana Natural Arch, Chain of Craters Back Country Byway, Joe Skeen Campground, the Narrows Picnic Area, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas – offering exceptional opportunities for photography, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.For more than 10,000 years, people have interacted with the El Malpais landscape. Historic and prehistoric sites provide connections to the past. These cultural resources remain alive through the spiritual and physical presence of contemporary Indigenous peoples, including the Ramah Navajo and Puebloan peoples of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, who continue their ancestral uses of El Malpais, including gathering plant materials, paying respect, and renewing ties to this land. Visitors should exercise caution during the monsoon season due to unpredictable weather and flash flooding. All visitors should come prepared with water, sturdy hiking boots, snacks, rain gear, a first aid kit, and sunscreen. Exploring BLM lava tube caves requires warm clothing, protective headgear, three sources of light, and leather gloves.  Volunteer camp host applications are accepted year-round. Please email rbob@blm.gov if interested.