Various copy editing.
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Revision as of 07:11, 15 July 2014
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===Flora and fauna===
===Flora and fauna===
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While known more for its geologic features than for its wildlife, the park is home to golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons, great-horned owls, black bears, mule deer, elk, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats. Less cuddly residents include rattlesnakes, scorpions, black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. The park was also the home of a transplanted bison herd from 1993 until 1995, but the herd's preference for roaming onto private lands led to their relocation. Some of the oldest
Douglas
Firs
on earth live in the monument
,
one dead tree was dated at over
2000
years old
(think of that before gathering firewood
!
)
+
While known more for its geologic features than for its wildlife, the park is home to golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, prairie falcons, great-horned owls, black bears, mule deer, elk, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats. Less cuddly residents include rattlesnakes, scorpions, black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. The park was also the home of a transplanted bison herd from 1993 until 1995, but the herd's preference for roaming onto private lands led to their relocation. Some of the oldest
douglas
firs
on earth live in the monument
:
one dead tree was dated at over
2,000
years old!
===Climate===
===Climate===
−
The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during summer afternoons and lightning poses a hazard to hikers. Winter snowstorms are common and nights are cold with below freezing temperatures.
The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year. Thunderstorms are a common occurrence during summer afternoons and lightning poses a hazard to hikers. Winter snowstorms are common and nights are cold with below freezing temperatures.
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===By car===
===By car===
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El Malpais is located south of the town of [[Grants]]. Two major state highways border the monument and conservation area and both are accessed via Interstate 40. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which forms the eastern park boundary. BLM's El Malpais Ranger Station is located 9 miles south of this exit and is open daily. Exit 85 at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85. Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which forms the northwestern park boundary. NPS's El Malpais Information Center is located 23 miles south of this exit and is open daily.
El Malpais is located south of the town of [[Grants]]. Two major state highways border the monument and conservation area and both are accessed via Interstate 40. Exit 89, east of Grants, will take you along NM 117 which forms the eastern park boundary. BLM's El Malpais Ranger Station is located 9 miles south of this exit and is open daily. Exit 85 at Grants will take you to the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, a multi-agency facility, located south of exit 85. Exit 81, west of Grants, will take you along NM 53 which forms the northwestern park boundary. NPS's El Malpais Information Center is located 23 miles south of this exit and is open daily.
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===By
air
===
+
===By
plane
===
−
There has been commuter-airline service to [[Gallup]], the next significant town west of Grants on I-40, but there is none as of December 2005. The nearest major airport is in [[Albuquerque]], about 90 miles (150 km) away and only slightly farther from El Malpais than Gallup is. Since you're going to need to rent a car or SUV anyway if you fly, might as well get it in Albuquerque and drive, even if the commuter service resumes; it'll be quicker than flying into Gallup and driving back east. From the Albuquerque airport, drive north on Interstate 25 to Interstate 40 and continue as above.
There has been commuter-airline service to [[Gallup]], the next significant town west of Grants on I-40, but there is none as of December 2005. The nearest major airport is in [[Albuquerque]], about 90 miles (150 km) away and only slightly farther from El Malpais than Gallup is. Since you're going to need to rent a car or SUV anyway if you fly, might as well get it in Albuquerque and drive, even if the commuter service resumes; it'll be quicker than flying into Gallup and driving back east. From the Albuquerque airport, drive north on Interstate 25 to Interstate 40 and continue as above.
==Fees/Permits==
==Fees/Permits==
−
There are no entrance fees charged for visiting the park.
There are no entrance fees charged for visiting the park.
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===By car===
===By car===
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State highways NM 117 and NM 53 provide access to many areas in the monument. County Road 42, a dirt road, provides access to the backcountry's primitive dirt roads. These roads may be impassable when wet, and travel is restricted to high clearance vehicles and those with four-wheel drive. Check at the ranger station for current road conditions before visiting the park's backcountry.
State highways NM 117 and NM 53 provide access to many areas in the monument. County Road 42, a dirt road, provides access to the backcountry's primitive dirt roads. These roads may be impassable when wet, and travel is restricted to high clearance vehicles and those with four-wheel drive. Check at the ranger station for current road conditions before visiting the park's backcountry.
===By bicycle===
===By bicycle===
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A mountain bike is a good alternative to driving when exploring the park's backcountry.
A mountain bike is a good alternative to driving when exploring the park's backcountry.
===By foot===
===By foot===
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Hiking routes exist throughout the monument. Most traverse lava flows and are marked with rock cairns. Few dirt routes exist. Backcountry hiking and cave exploration is permitted, but no water is available. Topographical maps and a compass or GPS unit are strongly suggested for backcountry exploration. Please stop by a visitor center for the park's caving policy and information prior to entering any cave. Entry to most caves requires permits in advance of your visit. Use extreme caution hiking on lava terrain - it's sharp and unstable! Please don't hike or cave alone.
Hiking routes exist throughout the monument. Most traverse lava flows and are marked with rock cairns. Few dirt routes exist. Backcountry hiking and cave exploration is permitted, but no water is available. Topographical maps and a compass or GPS unit are strongly suggested for backcountry exploration. Please stop by a visitor center for the park's caving policy and information prior to entering any cave. Entry to most caves requires permits in advance of your visit. Use extreme caution hiking on lava terrain - it's sharp and unstable! Please don't hike or cave alone.
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| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| hours= | price=
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| content=A privately owned and operated cave within the park, this
volanic
area is perpetually below freezing, allowing the creation of greenish ice formations that average twenty feet in thickness. Admission is from $7 - $15 per person.
+
| content=A privately owned and operated cave within the park, this
volcanic
area is perpetually below freezing, allowing the creation of greenish ice formations that average twenty feet in thickness. Admission is from $7 - $15 per person.
}}
}}
* '''Sandstone Bluffs Overlook'''. Located on the west side of highway 117, this overlook offers a dramatic viewpoint of the park's lava flows and the impressive sandstone cliffs that border them.
* '''Sandstone Bluffs Overlook'''. Located on the west side of highway 117, this overlook offers a dramatic viewpoint of the park's lava flows and the impressive sandstone cliffs that border them.
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===Caving===
===Caving===
−
NOTE:
Only four caves are currently open to the public (with a free caving permit, obtainable at the park office or visitor's center). The four caves are Junction Cave, Xenolith Cave, Big Skylight, and Giant Ice Cave (ice only in winter months).
+
Only four caves are currently open to the public (with a free caving permit, obtainable at the park office or visitor's center). The four caves are Junction Cave, Xenolith Cave, Big Skylight, and Giant Ice Cave (ice only in winter months).
'''Warning''': ''Always bring multiple independent light sources and wear sturdy hiking boots when exploring a cave!''
'''Warning''': ''Always bring multiple independent light sources and wear sturdy hiking boots when exploring a cave!''
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===Hiking===
===Hiking===
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The open lava expanses make for a wonderful hiking experience, one found in few other places. The terrain is truly from another world, and any hiker off the beaten path will feel like a trail blazer for sure. A word of caution before attempting any off-trail journey, either a GPS or extremely good orienteering skills are required, as the iron content of the lava makes compass readings unreliable and
USEFUL
visible landmarks are few.
+
The open lava expanses make for a wonderful hiking experience, one found in few other places. The terrain is truly from another world, and any hiker off the beaten path will feel like a trail blazer for sure. A word of caution before attempting any off-trail journey, either a GPS or extremely good orienteering skills are required, as the iron content of the lava makes compass readings unreliable and
useful
visible landmarks are few.
* '''Lava Falls Area'''. This trail leads over lava formations and past sinkholes to a high lava wall. The trail follows rock cairns and is often uneven, and the heat can be intense during the summer months.
* '''Lava Falls Area'''. This trail leads over lava formations and past sinkholes to a high lava wall. The trail follows rock cairns and is often uneven, and the heat can be intense during the summer months.
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===Lodging===
===Lodging===
−
+
There are no hotels in the park, but the nearby town of [[Grants]] offers numerous options.
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There are no hotels in the park, but the nearby town of Grants offers numerous options.
===Camping===
===Camping===
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===Backcountry===
===Backcountry===
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Backcountry camping in the national monument area requires a free backcountry use permit that can be obtained at any visitor center. Backcountry usage in the national conservation area does not require a permit, although visitors are encouraged to notify a ranger of their plans to help monitor usage.
Backcountry camping in the national monument area requires a free backcountry use permit that can be obtained at any visitor center. Backcountry usage in the national conservation area does not require a permit, although visitors are encouraged to notify a ranger of their plans to help monitor usage.
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Visitors planning to explore lava tube caves need to come prepared with warm clothing, protective headgear, at least three sources of light, sturdy footwear, and leather gloves. Do not take these warnings lightly; if you lose your light source even a short distance from a cave entrance it is extremely likely that you will become disoriented in the darkness and unable to find your way out. Similarly, the cave floor is rocky, uneven and often slippery, making sturdy footwear is an absolute necessity to avoid foot and ankle injuries.
Visitors planning to explore lava tube caves need to come prepared with warm clothing, protective headgear, at least three sources of light, sturdy footwear, and leather gloves. Do not take these warnings lightly; if you lose your light source even a short distance from a cave entrance it is extremely likely that you will become disoriented in the darkness and unable to find your way out. Similarly, the cave floor is rocky, uneven and often slippery, making sturdy footwear is an absolute necessity to avoid foot and ankle injuries.
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Sturdy hiking boots are required when hiking on lava terrain and daypacks with water, snacks, raingear, first aid kit and sunscreen are suggested. The heat while on lava flows can be intense, so plan on drinking at least one gallon of water per person per day. In addition, be aware that progress over lava flows is slow, that lava is sharp and can easily tear apart tennis shoes, and that some sections of lava are unstable and may simply be thin crusts covering sinkholes. Traveling solo on the lava is a very bad idea, as a broken leg can spell certain doom. Cellular service is
NON EXISTENT
beyond the very northern borders of the park. It is advisable to let someone know your itinerary in case you turn up missing. No joke, more than one person has been lost upon the veritable black sea. The dangers cannot be overstressed.
+
Sturdy hiking boots are required when hiking on lava terrain and daypacks with water, snacks, raingear, first aid kit and sunscreen are suggested. The heat while on lava flows can be intense, so plan on drinking at least one gallon of water per person per day. In addition, be aware that progress over lava flows is slow, that lava is sharp and can easily tear apart tennis shoes, and that some sections of lava are unstable and may simply be thin crusts covering sinkholes. Traveling solo on the lava is a very bad idea, as a broken leg can spell certain doom. Cellular service is
nonexistent
beyond the very northern borders of the park. It is advisable to let someone know your itinerary in case you turn up missing. No joke, more than one person has been lost upon the veritable black sea. The dangers cannot be overstressed.
−
Less common park dangers include rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders, which can be easily avoided by being cautious in rocky areas; these creatures crawl under rocks to avoid the sun, so be cautious when reaching into crevices or overturning rocks. In addition, the area around McCarty's crater was once used as a military bombing range, and while unlikely, it is possible that unexploded
ordinance
may be encountered if traveling in this remote location. It goes without saying that any munitions that are encountered should not be handled and should be reported to rangers.
+
Less common park dangers include rattlesnakes, scorpions and spiders, which can be easily avoided by being cautious in rocky areas; these creatures crawl under rocks to avoid the sun, so be cautious when reaching into crevices or overturning rocks. In addition, the area around McCarty's crater was once used as a military bombing range, and while unlikely, it is possible that unexploded
ordnance
may be encountered if traveling in this remote location. It goes without saying that any munitions that are encountered should not be handled and should be reported to rangers.
==Go next==
==Go next==