New Mexico’s El Malpais National Monument is offering a variety of ranger-guided hikes in July 2023. These hikes are designed to cover the geology, wildlife, and cultural history of the park, providing an educational and fun experience for campers.
One of the highlights of the July program is the Bat Outflight guided hikes. These hikes are scheduled every Friday evening in July. Participants join a park ranger on an easy 2-mile round-trip interpretive walk out to Bat Cave on the El Calderon Trail. Thousands of bats typically emerge around sunset, creating a unique spectacle for the hikers.
In addition to the Bat Outflight hikes, the park is also offering guided hikes on Saturday mornings and on July 4, according to a news release by the National Park Service.
These hikes start at 10:30 am and take place on the El Calderon Trail and the Zuni-Acoma Trail. The El Calderon Trail hikes, scheduled for July 4th, 15th, and 29th, focus on the fascinating geology and ecology of El Malpais’ oldest lava flow.
Hikers can see lava tube caves, beautiful grasslands, old forests, and a cinder cone volcano along this 3-mile guided hike.
On July 8 and 22, hikers can follow an ancient footpath along the Zuni-Acoma Trail with a park ranger. This hike covers approximately the first mile of the trail and focuses on the natural and cultural history of El Malpais. Both hikes last about two hours, with options to extend each hike on your own after the guided portion ends.
All hikes are weather-dependent, and the park encourages visitors to check the program start times each week by visiting their website or calling the El Malpais Visitor Center at 505-876-2783.
The ranger-guided hikes at El Malpais National Monument offer a unique opportunity for campers to learn about the park’s rich natural and cultural history while enjoying the great outdoors.
The ranger-guided hikes at El Malpais National Monument offer campers a unique blend of education and adventure. Whether it’s watching thousands of bats take flight at sunset or learning about the park’s geology and cultural history, these hikes provide a memorable experience for all participants.
The ranger-guided hikes at El Malpais National Monument are a blast. You can join photo hikes for unique shots and camp under the stars for a deeper connection to nature. It’s awesome!