320 ACRES IN THE EL MALPAIS NATIONAL MONUMENT WILDERNESSES STUDY AREA PRESERVED
As of February 2, 2007, one of the last inholdings in the El Malpais National Monument
Wilderness Study Area has been acquired by The Wilderness Land Trust. This 320-acre property will no longer
threaten the wilderness that surrounds it and become a cabin site, recreational retreat or anything other
than an addition to the increasingly rare wilderness of our country.
Bounded by high sandstone bluffs, cliffs, and sandhill country within the Cebolla Wilderness to the east and
by the West Malpais Wilderness to the south and west, the 114,848-acre El Malpais National Monument is an
exceptional example of a dormant volcanic landscape. El Malpais consists of five major lava flows, which
spewed over the valley at different times during the past 115,000 years; the most recent geologic event
occurring approximately 3,000 years ago. El Malpais (“the badlands”) is the historic Spanish name given to
the lava filled valley, due to the rugged nature of the terrain.
El Malpais
Hundreds of thousands of acres of sculptured sandstone formations, ponderosa and pinon pine forest, cinder
cones, lava tubes, and ice caves make up the El Malpais area. The area offers sweeping scenic vistas and
ample opportunities to experience solitude. The Wilderness Area presents a variety of recreational
activities to a curious public; including hiking, spelunking, horseback riding, sightseeing and hunting,
depending on NPS or BLM administration, to the estimated 105,000 annual visitors.
