El Malpais National Monument

Travel Guide

Sandstone Bluffs
The largest lava flow in CONUS and some great arches. Such a beautiful area.
This is a wonderful overlook at Sandstone Bluffs overlooking the lava flows at El Malpais about 12 miles south of Grants, NM. It's an easy stop off of the Interstate but worth driving through the park. The Ventana Arch is about 8 miles further down Highway 117.
This ice cave is the end of a collapsed lava tube 17.5 miles long, the longest known in North America. The coloration is due to algae that lived in the water that filled the cavern which is now frozen to a depth of more than 20 feet. The cave remains a constant 31 degrees F year-round.
Beautiful ancient lava flows are punctuated by juniper and cacti in full bloom. This is a rough area to scramble around - watch for cairns as it is easy to lose your way in this alien landscape.
Best Western Grants Inn

Best Western Grants Inn

2.5 out of 5
1551 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is HK$870 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
HK$870
HK$983 total
20 Mar - 21 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grants. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (885 reviews)
Broken drawer on dresser keep opening.

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Best Western Grants Inn
Leisure Lodge Motel

Leisure Lodge Motel

2 out of 5
1204 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is HK$409 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
HK$409
HK$507 total
16 Mar - 17 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grants. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Truman Park and Grants Public Library are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (90 reviews)
This motel was perfect for our needs. Clearly recently renovated rooms. The bed was super comfortable and everything was very clean. Loved the rain showerhead. Management was very helpful and friendly. Excellent value, will definitely stay again.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Leisure Lodge Motel
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

2.5 out of 5
1608 E Santa Fe Avenue Grants NM
The price is HK$592 per night from 20 Mar to 21 Mar
HK$592
HK$669 total
20 Mar - 21 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
I booked a room with a king bed, walked through the door to two queen. After driving 900+ miles my family just wanted to sleep. The next morning free breakfast was less than stellar. The idea of breakfast was biscuits and gravy (mostly water), there was no eggs, no bacon, no sausage and only gave ...

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants
See all 27 properties in El Malpais National Monument
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R

Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R

Grants NM
Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Neighborhood Park and Grants Public Library are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Excellent

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Stay@ Route 66 Great Divide Riders & Hikers R&R
Cozy 1-bedroom studio in charming Grants perfect for your getaway

Cozy 1-bedroom studio in charming Grants perfect for your getaway

Grants NM
Stay at this apartment in Grants. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fire and Ice Park and Mining Museum are located nearby.
Cozy 1-bedroom studio in charming Grants perfect for your getaway
Charming Dragonfly Casita with WiFi in Pinehill - perfect for a getaway

Charming Dragonfly Casita with WiFi in Pinehill - perfect for a getaway

Pinehill NM
Stay at this cabin in Cibola County. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions El Morro National Monument ...
Charming Dragonfly Casita with WiFi in Pinehill - perfect for a getaway
See all properties in El Malpais National Monument
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

cave opening silhouette

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano during your travels in Grants. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano
El Calderon Trail El Malpais National Monument New Mexico

El Calderon Trail

You can take time to visit El Calderon Trail during your travels to Grants. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and waterfalls.

El Calderon Trail
Hiking Mount Taylor a Stratovolcano in Grants New Mexico Cibola National Monument

Mount Taylor

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mount Taylor during your travels in Grants. Visit the area's casinos or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Mount Taylor
Visible from the parking lot a short walk will get you this closer vantage point.

La Ventana Natural Arch

You can take time to visit La Ventana Natural Arch during your travels to Grants. Wander the parks or discover the area's volcano viewpoints.

La Ventana Natural Arch
La Ventana Arch at El Malpais National Monument in Grants, New Mexico

La Ventana Arch

You can find out about the history of Grants when you stop by La Ventana Arch. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

La Ventana Arch

Smokey Circle

Explore the great outdoors at Smokey Circle, a lovely green space in Grants. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Smokey Circle