West Malpais Wilderness

West Malpais Wilderness is a protected area in New Mexico featuring expansive volcanic terrain shaped by ancient lava flows. The landscape transitions between open grasslands, pinon-juniper forests, and ponderosa pine zones across different elevations.

Congress established this area as protected wilderness in 1987 as part of the El Malpais National Conservation Area. This designation recognized the geological significance of the volcanic landscape and secured its future conservation.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail crosses through the southern section, offering hikers opportunities to traverse this geological formation.

A backcountry permit is required to enter the area and can be obtained from the El Malpais Information Center in Grants or the BLM ranger station on State Road 117. Access points are available in both the northern and southern sections of the wilderness.

The Hole-in-the-Wall kipuka in the northern section is an isolated grassland plateau surrounded by jagged lava rock. This natural enclosure offers a striking contrast to the surrounding volcanic terrain.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 34.89017,-108.15844

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22