Safety Tips
•Wear proper clothing. Even in summer, carry a flashlight
and light jacket in case you are caught out after nightfall.
Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.
•Carry plenty of water, up to a gallon (4 liters) per person
per day when performing strenuous activity in hot weather.
Also bring a high-energy snack.
•It is best to hike with at least one other person. If you go
alone, always leave word as to where you are going, what
time you are leaving and what time you expect to return.
•It is unlawful to disturb or annoy wildlife, especially bats,
reptiles, birds of prey and other protected species and their
nesting areas. There are rattlesnakes in this part of the
country, but they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
•If you become lost, stay in one place. You will conserve
your energy and make it easier for searchers to find you.
•In case of an accident or a lost person, notify the nearest
New Mexico State Police office at 505/287-4141; they will
then notify a search and rescue field coordinator.
•Know your limitations; don’t attempt climbs or hikes
About Wilderness Areas
Wilderness is a legal designation outlined in
the Wilderness Act of 1964. This designation
offers long-term protection and conservation
of landscapes, natural values, habitat and
sources of clean water on public lands while
also focusing on unique features of particular
wilderness areas. These special places have
little to no human made improvements and
are managed to maintain their primitive
character. The National Wilderness
Preservation System is made up of individual
Wilderness areas that share a common
management vision toward preserving
naturalness, limiting the influence of man
and providing outstanding opportunities for
solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of
recreation.
that you don’t have the ability, equipment, or time to
accomplish. Do not climb on cliffs unless you are an
experienced rock climber.
Collard lizards
Chipmonk
Leave No Trace: Plan ahead and prepare - Travel and camp on durable
surfaces - Dispose of waste properly - Leave what you find - Minimize
campfire impacts - Respect wildlife - Be considerate of other visitors.
Bureau of Land Management
Rio Puerco Field Office
100 Sun Ave. NE
Pan American Bldg., Suite 330
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
505/761-8700 or
El Malpais Ranger Station
505/280-2918
or
www.blm.gov/new-mexico
BLM/NM/GI-02-005-1220
El Malpais
National Conservation Area
General Rules &
Regulations
T
he El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) is a
special place with remarkable geological and cultural
resources. Along with impressive scenery, the area is home
to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, turkey, elk,
mountain lion, black bear and the collared lizard.
Mule Deer
The BLM manages this area to
conserve, protect, enhance and
restore these special features for
the enjoyment of present and future
generations. Listed below are rules
and regulations to keep in mind as you
enjoy your time with us.
Camping
The Joe Skeen Campground, is the only designated
campground in the El Malpais NCA. It is located 2 miles
south of the Ranger Station along Highway 117. This
campground has marked sites, picnic tables, fire grates and
vault toilets. No water is available at the campground but
can be found at the Ranger Station (see website for hours).
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsite reservations are not allowed. There is a limit of
7 days campsite occupancy in any 28-consecutive-day
period. After the 7th day, campers must move at least 25
miles from the previous location, and must not return there
for at least 30 days. Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6
a.m.. Horses and other pack animals are not allowed in the
campground.
Backcountry Camping
Campers wishing to stay in primitive and Wilderness
locations are not charged a fee. Do not camp or build a
fire in or on any historic or prehistoric structure or within
300 yards of any spring, man-made waterhole, well, or
water tank used by wildlife or domestic stock. Backcountry
camping has a limit of 14 days in a 28-day period. The 14day limit can be reached by a number of separate visits or
through 14 days of continuous occupation. After the 14th
day, campers must move beyond a 25-mile radius from
the previous location, and must not return to any location
within this radius for at least 30 days. Vehicles may not be
parked further than 100 feet from designated roads.
“Pack it in, Pack it out”—Please clean up your campsite
before you leave and practice Leave no Trace. It is
recommended but not mandatory that you stop by the
Ranger Station located on Highway 117 to let a ranger know
where you will be camping and how long you intend to stay.
Climbing
Technical rock climbing within the La Ventana Natural Arch
area is prohibited. Climbing is allowed at other areas within
the NCA, but bolting is prohibited within Wilderness. Please
keep in mind that sandstone is generally of poor quality
for rock climbing and that most cliff faces are located in
designated Wilderness.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the NCA but must be kept under control
at all times. They are not permitted on ranger guided
programs. Follow all posted signs; pets must be leashed
at all developed areas
and trails. Animals
that are trained to
assist handicapped
persons are the
exception to these
rules. Please keep
plenty of water on
hand for you and your Pets must be leashed at all developed
pet as water sources areas and trails.
are limited.
Please respect wildlife at all times.
Fires
Fires are permitted in the NCA; however, the use of gas
stoves is encouraged. Use established fire rings where
provided. If you construct a new fire ring, dismantle it and
scatter ashes before you leave. You can use downed wood,
but it is illegal to cut dead snags, live trees or branches. It is
also illegal to use chainsaws for any purpose in Wilderness
areas. It is prohibited to build a fire on or near any historic
or prehistoric structure, ruin site or cave resource.
Please use caution, be aware of the current fire dangers
and restrictions, and make sure your fire is completely
extinguished before you leave.
The BLM Ranger Station on Highway 117 has the latest fire
restrictions and information.
Hunting, Firearms and Fireworks
It is prohibited to use, display or carry weapons within
developed campsites or picnic areas. Discharging firearms,
hunting and trapping are illegal within developed recreation
areas and within ½ mile of a developed recreation site,
residence, campsite, or occupied area.
Hunting and trapping are permitted on NCA lands, including
the Wilderness areas. It is your responsibility to obtain the
proper license or permit and to be aware of the rules and
regulations set by the New Mexico Department of Game
and Fish. It is illegal to discharge a firearm or any other
implement capable of taking human life on, from, or across
a developed road; within 40 feet of a road; within a fenced
right-of-way; across a body of water; or in a reckless or
careless manner.
Driving off designated roads in order to retrieve game
is prohibited, as is the possession or use of fireworks
anywhere on public lands.
Roads
When driving on backcountry roads, it is recommended
that you have a high-clearance vehicle. Travel with any
motorized or mechanized equipment (including mountain
or dirt bikes) is restricted to designated roads.
Designated Wilderness areas are only accessible by
stock-animal or foot traffic. All motorized and mechanized
equipment is prohibited in designated Wilderness areas. In
accordance with the Wilderness Act, many former vehicle
routes have been closed in Wilderness.
Bicycles
Mountain bikes are permitted on any of the designated
roads. They are prohibited on trails and in Wilderness
areas.
Collecting
•The removal or collection of any historic or cultural
artifact is prohibited anywhere within the NCA.
•Fossil collection of any kind, invertebrate or vertebrate, is
prohibited within Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas.
•Collecting renewable plant parts (flowers, berries, nuts,
seeds, cones, and leaves) as well as individual rocks in
reasonable amounts for personal use only, is permitted.
A permit is needed for live plants or mineral resource
collection or removal.
•Use of metal detectors is prohibited in the NCA.
