El Malpais NM is located along the same NM Route 53 as El Morro and southwest of Grants, NM. The continental divide is along the western edge of the NM.

El Malpais gets its name from the Spanish explorers meaning badlands. The landscape is a remnant lava flow with many different sharp, jagged and rugged features.

We arrived at this NM just at closing time and did not have a chance to enjoy the park. However, we will return in the near future.