West Malpais Wilderness, Volcanic wilderness area in New Mexico, US.
West Malpais presents a flat landscape of volcanic lava flows with three distinct environments: grasslands, pinon-juniper woodland, and ponderosa pine forest.
The United States Congress established this 35,940-acre wilderness on December 31, 1987, through Public Law 100-225 as part of El Malpais National Conservation Area.
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail crosses through the southern section, offering hikers opportunities to traverse this geological formation.
Visitors need to obtain a backcountry permit from El Malpais Information Center in Grants or the BLM Ranger Station on State Road 117.
The 6,700-acre Hole-in-the-Wall kipuka forms an isolated grassland plateau surrounded by jagged basalt flows in the northern section.
Location: New Mexico
GPS coordinates: 34.89017,-108.15844
Latest update: May 28, 2025 10:09
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