Discover the stunning Sandstone Bluffs of El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico. In this travel blog, we share tips, photos and must-see highlights of our scenic adventure at one of the Southwest’s most underrated natural wonders. We love this uncrowded, hidden gem.
Overview
Tucked away in the rugged high desert of western New Mexico lies a surreal and dramatic landscape known as El Malpais National Monument. Pronounced el mal-pie-ees, this name translates from Spanish as “the badlands,” a fitting description for a place where ancient lava flows stretch for miles, dotted with craters, caves, cinder cones and towering sandstone bluffs.
Spanning over 350,000 acres, El Malpais preserves one of the most extensive and diverse volcanic fields in the continental U.S. Ranging from 3,000 to 700,000 years old, the lava flows create a jumbled, black-rock terrain that looks almost alien. In a dramatic contrast, sandstone cliffs rise above the monument’s eastern edge, offering breathtaking vistas.
El Malpais is accessible year-round, but the best times to explore here are Spring (April–May) and Fall (September–October) when temperatures are moderate. Summer can be extremely hot, especially on exposed lava fields, while Winter can be chilly and icy at the higher elevations or caves.
Getting There
El Malpais National Monument is just south of the towns of Grants, San Rafael and Mt. Taylor, which all lie along a stretch of Interstate 40 and Route 40 (McBride Road), that also happens to be part of the historic Route 66. We arrived at the Joe Skeen Campground, which is located adjacent to El Malpais on BLM land, about 20 minutes south of Interstate 40 on Route 117. We arrived in the late afternoon, set up our trailer and drove over to the Sandstone Bluffs area, a quick 10 minute drive back up Route 117 to Sandstone Bluffs Road on the left.
Camping at El Malpais
The Joe Skeen Campground consists of 10 campsites that are only available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because it’s on BLM land, it is free to camp here which is an added bonus! There are no hookups and two vault toilets. Each site does have a very well covered picnic table area, a fire ring with grill, and space for a tent or RV. Some of the pull-through sites can accommodate total lengths up to 50 feet (15.25 meters). Joe Skeen Campground at El Malpais is one of our all-time favorite camping spots. With breathtaking views, unmatched solitude, and some of the clearest night skies we’ve ever experienced, this remote corner of New Mexico offers a stargazing paradise far from city lights. If you’re chasing serenity and stars, this is definitely your spot.
Exploring the Sandstone Bluffs
After parking our truck at the Bluffs we all quickly made our way to the amazing rocky cliffs to scramble around and take in the wonderful 360 degree views. You can gaze north to the dramatic silhouette of Mount Taylor, look down to see ancient lava flows winding through the valley, and feel the texture of Dakota Sandstone beneath your feet. Every angle offers a new natural wonder, making this one of the best scenic viewpoints in El Malpais for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Coming here for sunset or at night for star gazing is definitely recommended!
We spent several hours here, hiking and scrambling on the bluffs and on the many boulders that have tumbled across the landscape. Our whole family had a great time exploring the unique rock formations near the parking area—they were perfect for climbing, scrambling, and playing around. You will also find picnic tables and a pit toilet near the picnic area so it really is a fantastic place to pack a picnic and spend some time.
As we walked along various areas of the Bluffs, each section gradually stepped down in elevation, giving us a new perspective. Sometimes we would climb along a ledge only to run out of space and have to turn back.
Conclusion
There’s no official trail at the Sandstone Bluffs, but that’s part of the fun—you can wander and explore however you like. Just watch out for deep cracks and sudden drop-offs (a surprise no one wants!). The bluffs start right by the parking lot, making it super easy for kids to jump right into the adventure. Leashed dogs are welcome too, and there are plenty of stunning spots for photos—especially at sunset when the rocks light up in warm, golden tones.
Day two at El Malpais National Monument was also full of adventure—we roamed deeper into the lava fields and even crawled through some lava tubes. Let’s just say our bike helmets came in very handy. Curious why? Catch the full story below!.
Related USATourist Articles
Exploring the Lava Fields and Lava Tubes of El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico Travel Guide