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BLM•Grants, NM•10.5h from Austin
El Malpais NCA — SR 117 Dispersed
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Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.
Fee
Free
Hookups
No hookups
Trailer
Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)
Cell Signal
No signal
Water
Bring your own
Toilets
None
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Reservations
None — dispersed (14-day total El Malpais limit)
Highlights
- ▶ Ancient lava flows, La Ventana Natural Arch (5 mi south of Joe Skeen CG), lava tube caves, and sandstone bluffs — paved NM 117 to all sites
- ▶ Free open pullouts beyond Joe Skeen CG; exceptionally dark skies in one of the most light-pollution-free zones in NM
- ▶ Distinct from Joe Skeen CG (already in database) — additional miles of NM 117 corridor dispersed access
Planning Notes
Combined 14-day/month limit for all El Malpais NCA. Extremely primitive — no facilities. Bring significantly more water than expected. No cell service. El Malpais NCA and El Morro NM make a strong 2-night circuit.
Contact: (505) 280-2918
Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.