El Malpais National Monument

El Malpais National Monument: see National Parks and Monuments (table).

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El Malpais National Monument

Natural area, west-central New Mexico, U.S. Located at an elevation of 6,400–8,400 ft (1,950–2,560 m), it covers 179 sq mi (464 sq km), including a lava flow area of 133 sq mi (344 sq km). Features include a 17-mi (27-km) lava tube system, a number of ice caves, volcanic cinder cones, one of New Mexico's largest natural arches, and more than 20 gas and lava spatter cones. Designated a national natural landmark with the name McCarty Lava Flow in 1969, it became a national monument in 1987.

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El Malpais National Monument

Parks Directory of the United States / US National Parks / National Monuments

Address: 123 E Roosevelt Ave
Grants, NM 87020
Phone: 505-285-4641;
Fax: 505-285-5661;
Web: www.nps.gov/elma/
Size: 114,277 acres.
Established: Established on December 31, 1987.
Location: In the high desert lands south of Grants, New Mexico. Two major state highways border the monument and conservation area, and both are accessed via I-40.
Facilities: Visitor center, self-guided tour/trail.
Activities: Camping, hiking, auto touring, interpretive programs.
Special Features: El Malpais ("the badlands" in Spanish) is a spectacular volcanic area, featuring cinder cones, a 17 mile-long lava tube system, and ice caves. The area is also rich in ancient Pueblo and Navajo Indian history, and features diverse ecosystems.

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See other parks in New Mexico.