CIBOLA COUNTY, N.M. - Come enjoy the fall weather at El Malpais National Monument this weekend and join in on a ranger program! All programs are free of charge and weather dependent.
Be sure to dress in warm layers and bring water, sun protection, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes.
Cactus Curiosities Walk - Saturday, October 10, 9:30 - 11:30 am Get to know some members of the family Cactaceae who live around us. Discover the awesome diversity of shapes, colors, and adaptations of these charismatic icons of the Southwest. What does tuna have to do with cactuses? Come and find out. This walk will cover 1.5 miles at most. This walk will start at Sandstone Bluffs Overlook, 19 miles south of Grants on Highway 117.
Birdwatching Walk - Sunday, October 11, 9:00 - 11:00 am Beginner birders and children are welcome on this guided birdwatching walk, which will cover a maximum of 2 miles. The trail is rocky in spots. We will be looking for, listening for, and identifying birds while enjoying a peaceful morning outdoors. If possible, bring a pair of binoculars, if not, some will be available to borrow. This walk will start from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) off of Highway 53, please wait for a park ranger to let you in the gate.
Zuni-Acoma Trail Guided Hike Monday, October 12, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Discover the diversity and resilience of life that thrives on the Twin Craters lava flow. The first part of the hike is through grassland along a dirt trail. Eventually, the trail turns into a cairn-marked route across rubbly lava flows with loose rocks. The guided portion of the hike will cover about the first 1.5 - 2 miles of the trail and return to the parking area along the same route. The Zuni-Acoma West Trailhead is 16 miles south of Grants on Highway 53, just past mile marker 70.
Please contact us with any questions at 505-876-2783.