Travel Guide El Malpais National Monument

This National Monument in western New Mexico means "bad country", badlands. This is the name given in America to the jagged, hostile and desolate landforms. The site, which covers 462 km2, includes a volcanic landscape literally lunar, consisting of lava fields interspersed with sandstone buttes. The Malpais lava field is part of the Zuni-Bandera volcanic field. The territory is covered with extinct volcanoes (some of which can potentially reawaken and are under high surveillance).In Malpais you can find Oregon pines, of the genus Pseudotsuga, which are among the oldest trees on the planet. You can also see caves formed by lava tubes. One of the park's most prominent sites is Ventana Arch, a sandstone arch that offers a breathtaking view of the lava field when climbed.This area is very popular for hiking, with many trails to traverse, where you will see solidified lava flows, cinder cones, caves and impressive cliffs. If you are lucky, you will see coyotes in the area. They are most often heard at night while camping when a pack of coyotes calls out in high-pitched calls. There are also many birds, deer and elk. A map is available at the Malpais National Monument Visitor Center (http://www.nps.gov/elma - +15058762783) off I-40 north of the park.