El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America? If you're planning to go to El Malpais National Monument, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to El Malpais National Monument
  2. Important essentials for El Malpais National Monument
  3. Activities for El Malpais National Monument
  4. El Malpais National Monument in January: weather and what to pack
  5. El Malpais National Monument in February: weather and what to pack
  6. El Malpais National Monument in March: weather and what to pack
  7. El Malpais National Monument in April: weather and what to pack
  8. El Malpais National Monument in May: weather and what to pack
  9. El Malpais National Monument in June: weather and what to pack
  10. El Malpais National Monument in July: weather and what to pack
  11. El Malpais National Monument in August: weather and what to pack
  12. El Malpais National Monument in September: weather and what to pack
  13. El Malpais National Monument in October: weather and what to pack
  14. El Malpais National Monument in November: weather and what to pack
  15. El Malpais National Monument in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in El Malpais National Monument, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America by month

January

January in El Malpais National Monument can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

February

February in El Malpais National Monument is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

March

If you go to El Malpais National Monument in March, you will notice that it is cold. Expect it to rain or snow occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

April

If you visit El Malpais National Monument during April, you will probably find that it is crisp and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

May

May in this region is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

June

June in this region is pretty consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

July

If you are traveling to El Malpais National Monument in July, you will notice that it can be very hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

August

August here is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. Many adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

September

If you vacation in El Malpais National Monument during September, you are likely to see that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary type. Many adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

October

October for El Malpais National Monument is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

November

Traveling to El Malpais National Monument in November, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Daytime temperatures are in the low 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

December

December here is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in El Malpais National Monument. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

Going to Bandera Crater Ice Caves? You'll need:

What to do in El Malpais National Monument, New Mexico, United States of America

El Malpais National Monument is one of the most breathtaking and unique destinations in the United States. It is a protected area that stretches over 100,000 acres in northern New Mexico. The monument is known for its volcanic landscapes, which are a direct result of the ancient eruptions that took place in the area. Today, the region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Mexico.

If you are planning a visit to El Malpais National Monument, it is important to have an idea of the top tourist attractions in the area. Here is a list of some of the most visited tourist attractions within the park:

1. El Calderon Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that leads visitors to the base of an extinct volcano. The trail is about three miles long and takes hikers deep into the heart of the volcano. At the end of the trail, hikers will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the volcanic crater.

2. Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave: This attraction consists of a lava flow and an ice-filled cave. Visitors can explore the volcano and take a guided tour of the natural ice cave. In the winter, the cave is covered in ice, which creates a beautiful and unique natural spectacle.

3. La Ventana Natural Arch: This natural arch is a popular attraction in El Malpais National Monument. It is the second-largest natural arch in New Mexico and offers visitors a view of the expansive sandstone formations within the monument. The arch is accessible via a short hike and is a popular spot for photographers.

4. The Narrows: The Narrows is a small canyon located in the Southwest corner of El Malpais National Monument. Visitors can hike down into the canyon, which features unique rock formations, cliffs, and waterfalls. The Narrows is one of the most scenic attractions in the park and is a popular spot for photographers.

5. El Malpais Visitor Center: The visitor center is the starting point for most visitors to the park. It features exhibits, video programs, and hands-on activities that teach visitors about the geology, ecology, and history of El Malpais National Monument. Additionally, the center has a variety of souvenirs and books for sale.

El Malpais National Monument is a destination that offers something for everyone. From hiking trails to volcanic landscapes, there's no shortage of breathtaking and unique experiences to be had within the park. If you're planning a trip to New Mexico, be sure to add El Malpais National Monument to your itinerary.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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