Car Camping / Dayhiking – El Malpais National Monument

Near Grants, New Mexico.

Informational Supplement

Outing Description and Itinerary

Moderate in both distance and altitude (see below).  In satellite photographs of New Mexico, the lava flows that blanket much of El Malpais National Monument look a lot like a huge lake southwest of Grants. The images show only the big features -- the lava flows, the mountain ranges, the mesas -- and not the myriad of small mysteries and fleeting wonders. You have to be there -- and not in space -- to experience those. El Malpais (pronounced ell-mal-pie-ees) means "the badlands" in Spanish. Its volcanic features include jagged spatter cones, a lava tube cave system extending at least 17 miles, and fragile ice caves.

This will be my first trip hiking this area.  I drove through it last Spring and decided to come back and spend more time, hence the trip.  The itinerary below is approximate and subject to change based on local info and weather conditions.  Generally speaking the pace of the trip will be hiking and taking photos of the spring wildflowers, exploring lava flows, caves, arches and other general points of interest.

Download Map Here (Adobe Acrobat Format)

Dates: Saturday, April 28^th and Sunday, April 29^th. (Travel on the 27^th and 30^th)

Leader: David Franklin, home 789-5377 or work 516-1308.

Level of Difficulty: We will be desert hiking over lava beds.  This area will be rough on our boots, might be hot and will involve simple rock scrambling.  This should be a fairly easy trip in terms of distance, but because of the lava and desert I am going to rank it moderate.

Departure Info: 8:00 AM, Friday Morning, April 27^th. If you won’t be traveling with the group, please let me know. We will depart from the Love’s at I-40 and Morgan Road in west Oklahoma City. We will form carpools at that time. We will wait no longer than 15 minutes for latecomers. Trip should take about 10 hours.

Directions to the campground:

Fees: The fee is $15 for Sierra Club Members, $30 for Non-Members, see me for a membership form if you need one.

Food: On Friday night we will be about 45 minutes from Grants but I would suggest dinner in camp Friday night. Saturday and Sunday we will be hiking, so breakfast in the car camp, lunch on the trail (i.e.; no cooking) and dinners will be either in camp (most likely) or we will drive into town.  Remember that there is no water in the park, so if you need water to cook with you must bring it with you.

Equipment / Weather: This time of year temperatures should be mild during the day and cool / cold at night, possibly freezing, although this is unlikely. Spring often means thunderstorms in the desert, so rain gear is a requirement. According to the forest service, "Springtime is usually dry and windy…July and August are the rainy months," but I would still suggest you bring your rain gear (as you would on any outing). Other normal stuff applies, please let me know if you need help getting prepared. Call me asap if you need to arrange to borrow some gear.

From the web site: El Malpais ranges in elevation from 6500 to 8300 ft. The weather in northwestern New Mexico is unpredictable and visitors should be prepared for all conditions throughout the year. Visitors planning to explore lava tube caves need to come prepared with warm clothing, protective headgear, three sources of light, and leather gloves. Sturdy hiking boots are required when hiking on lava terrain and daypacks with water, snacks, raingear, first aid kit and sunscreen are suggested. Backcountry exploration requires planning and rangers at El Malpais Information Center or the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center can provide assistance prior to your visit. (note from David: We will stop at ranger station prior to visiting the lava tubes)

Special Considerations: There is no water in the El Malpais.  You should bring water and/or water containers sufficient for two days (i.e., 2 gallons per person).  Third day will be at a camp with water and showers.

Outing Rules: No electronic music devices, firearms or pets. Of course, pack out what you pack in.

Other:

Closest city is Grants, NM

The following web sites have info on this area:

·        http://www.nps.gov/elma/

·        http://www.gorp.com/gorp/resource/us_NM/NM_elmal.htm

·        http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/nmparks/PAGES/parks/bwater/bwater.htm

·        http://www.wunderground.com/US/NM/Grants.html

·        http://www.newmexico.org/ 

Backpacker’s Checklist

This list is not meant to be inclusive nor necessary for each trip. At first glance the list may appear extensive, but many of the items will be shared with other members in your hiking party. And, some equipment is optional - depending on the season, weather, geography and personal needs. However, equipment listed under "ESSENTIALS" should be carried at all times, even when day hiking.

When you return from a trip, eliminate the "extras" you thought you'd use and didn't. And add the things you wish you'd had. After a few trips you'll recognize your personal requirements and the best place for everything in your pack.

ESSENTIALS FOR ANY HIKE Map Compass First Aid Kit Windbreaker/Rain Parka Pocket Knife Water Bottle Whistle/Signaling Device Trail Snacks Small Flashlight/Extra Bulb & Batteries Waterproof Matches/Lighter/Firestarter Sunglasses Toilet Paper & Trowel Identification/Permits/Licenses	CLOTHING Hiking Boots Socks Underwear/Long Underwear Hat Down Vest/Fleece Jacket Parka Raingear (poncho or rain suit) Gloves/Mittens Bandanas Hiking Shorts/Trousers Shirt Moccasins/Camp Shoes
FOOD/COOKING Stove/Fuel Eating/Cooking Utensils Cup/Bowl Cooking Pots/Pot Scrubber Dehydrated Food Powdered Milk/Sugar Coffee/Tea/Drink Mixes Spices/Seasonings Plastic Bags for Food Storage Water Filter/Purification Tablets	SHELTER Backpack Pack Cover Tent Ground Cloth Sleeping Bag Sleeping Pad Nylon Cord (at least 30 feet) Tarp
HBA Toothbrush/Toothpaste Biodegradable Soap Towel Sanitary Supplies Moleskin Lip Balm Sunscreen Insect Repellent	PERSONAL PREFERENCE Camera/Film Binoculars Notebook/Pen Field Guides Playing Cards/Compact Board Games Nylon Water Bag Nylon Stuff Sacks A Book Trash Bags Day Pack Repair Kit - duct tape, needle & thread, boot laces, spare pack rings and pins, etc.