El Malpais to Host Volcano Festival on March 21

Contact: El Malpais Visitor Center, 505-876-2783

Grants, NM - El Malpais National Monument invites you to join us for a Volcano Festival at the El Malpais Visitor Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Guest speaker Matt Zimmerer from the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources at New Mexico Tech will talk about the incredible volcanism found in New Mexico and at El Malpais at presentations offered at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Throughout the event, rangers will offer hands-on activities and demonstrations related to the geology of volcanoes and lava flows. All ages are welcome, and attendees will earn a special Volcano Fest sticker.

On Sunday, March 22, the volcano celebration continues with a ranger-guided hike on the Zuni-Acoma Trail. The hike starts at 10:30 am at the Zuni-Acoma West trailhead off Highway 53. This trailhead is about 16 miles south of Grants, near mile marker 70. The hike covers around 3 miles and includes walking across young, loose lava rock. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection, and bring water.

The El Malpais Visitor Center is located at 1900 E. Santa Fe Ave in Grants, near I-40 exit 85.

All programs are free and no reservations are required. Questions? Call us at 505-876-2783 or find us on Facebook.