El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area
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El Malpais National Monument is off I-40 in western New Mexico, USA, near Cibola National Forest. It is named El Malpais (Spanish for badlands) due to the extremely rough, rugged lava flow that covers much of the park. The lava flows fill a large basin rimmed by higher sandstone that forms large, wind-carved bluffs along much of the malpais. The terrain is so durable in some parts that trails cannot be constructed in the usual manner; cairns have been constructed to guide hikers. Attractions in El Malpais include its many lava tube caves, free for all to explore unguided, and Cerro Encierro, a popular hill to hike or climb with spectacular views. Other areas of interest include La Ventana Arch, a natural sandstone arch, and a scenic overlook from the high bluffs on the eastern side of the malpais.
