El Malpais National Monument Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sandstone Bluffs
Sandstone Bluffs
The largest lava flow in CONUS and some great arches. Such a beautiful area.
This is a wonderful overlook at Sandstone Bluffs overlooking the lava flows at El Malpais about 12 miles south of Grants, NM. It's an easy stop off of the Interstate but worth driving through the park. The Ventana Arch is about 8 miles further down Highway 117.
This ice cave is the end of a collapsed lava tube 17.5 miles long, the longest known in North America. The coloration is due to algae that lived in the water that filled the cavern which is now frozen to a depth of more than 20 feet. The cave remains a constant 31 degrees F year-round.
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

2.5 out of 5
1608 E Santa Fe Avenue Grants NM
The price is AU$128 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
AU$128
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
Staff were very nice. Even made a fresh pot of coffee upon arrival

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants
Leisure Lodge Motel

Leisure Lodge Motel

2 out of 5
1204 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is AU$95 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
AU$95
11 Feb - 12 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grants. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Truman Park and Grants Public Library are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
Clean and comfortable. Great for the price.

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

Leisure Lodge Motel
Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40

Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40

2.5 out of 5
1496 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is AU$137 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
AU$137
20 Feb - 21 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (948 reviews)
Clean room staff was great

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40
See all 27 properties in El Malpais National Monument
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R

Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R

Grants NM
Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neighborhood Park and Grants Public Library are located nearby.
Excellent

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R
Cantina Stagecoach Stop

Cantina Stagecoach Stop

Grants NM
Stay at this holiday home in Grants. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and in-room fireplaces.
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Host is very responsive and cabin is cozy with a great view.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Cantina Stagecoach Stop
Pet-friendly camping in the mountains

Pet-friendly camping in the mountains

Fence Lake NM
Stay at this campsite in Quemado.
Pet-friendly camping in the mountains
See all properties in El Malpais National Monument
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

cave opening silhouette

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano during your travels in Grants. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
El Calderon Trail El Malpais National Monument New Mexico

El Calderon Trail

You can take time to visit El Calderon Trail during your travels to Grants. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and waterfalls.

El Calderon Trail
Hiking Mount Taylor a Stratovolcano in Grants New Mexico Cibola National Monument

Mount Taylor

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Taylor during your travels in Grants. Visit the area's casinos or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Mount Taylor
Visible from the parking lot a short walk will get you this closer vantage point.

La Ventana Natural Arch

You can take time to visit La Ventana Natural Arch during your travels to Grants. Wander the parks or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

La Ventana Natural Arch
La Ventana Arch at El Malpais National Monument in Grants, New Mexico

La Ventana Arch

You can find out about the history of Grants when you stop by La Ventana Arch. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

La Ventana Arch

Smokey Circle

Explore the great outdoors at Smokey Circle, a lovely green space in Grants. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Smokey Circle