El Malpais National Monument Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sandstone Bluffs
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.
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants

2.5 out of 5
1608 E Santa Fe Avenue Grants NM
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.358.345 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
Rp1.358.345
Rp1.534.931 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
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 ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
The breakfast was not fresh. There was no coffee. Air conditioning vents were completely dirty inside the room. Walls around the windows were cracked. Maintenance was much needed. Did not feel safe inside this motel.

Reviewed on 5 Jan 2026

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Grants
Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40

Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40

2.5 out of 5
1496 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is Rp1.368.349 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
Rp1.368.349
Rp1.546.235 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Grants. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.6/10 Good! (946 reviews)
Clean room staff was great

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Grants - I-40
Best Western Grants Inn

Best Western Grants Inn

2.5 out of 5
1551 E Santa Fe Ave Grants NM
The price is Rp2.158.541 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
Rp2.158.541
Rp2.439.151 total
11 Feb - 12 Feb
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (862 reviews)
Clean room, comfortable bed. Breakfast was good standard hotel breakfast options.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Best Western Grants Inn
See all 26 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

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

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

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

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

Mining Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Mining Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Grants. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Mining Museum

Fire and Ice Park

Fire and Ice Park is just one of the places to see in Grants, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Fire and Ice Park