Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway | New Mexico
The Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is a 33-mile backcountry byway located in El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) and National Monument in northwestern New Mexico. The byway, which is County Road 42, passes almost exclusively through public lands. County Road 42 forms the western boundary of the West Malpais Wilderness and connects NM 53 and NM 117. For information regarding what you will see or the public lands you will have access to along the byway, see BLM's El Malpais NCA recreation website.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
- This area does not have any ADA-compliant facilities or interpretive displays. The most accessible way to enjoy the area is to travel by vehicle.
- A high-clearance vehicle, such as a truck or a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended as this road is rugged in several areas, features blind curves and hills, and can be difficult to navigate when wet. Service is also scarce.
- To hike the area, one needs to be able to walk across uneven, silty ground that travels up and downhill for several miles.
Know Before You Go
Scenic driving, hiking, camping, picnicking, watchable wildlife. Because the Chain of Craters Byway is remote, outstanding recreational opportunities abound. Visit the BLM El Malpais NCA recreation website for more information.
Fees
- None.
Facilities
- There is no potable water or restroom along this scenic byway.
Nearby Amenities
- The nearest area to get food, gas, and water is in Grants, ~27 miles away by heading northeast on County Rd 42 and then traveling on NM-53 E.
Seasons/Hours
- Open year-round.
- During or after inclement weather, the road make become impassable.
Special Rules
- The road is an annually maintained dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle, such as a truck or a 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Use particular caution when the road is wet.
- Dispersed camping is allowed, BUT you must park your vehicle alongside the road and carry your camping gear to your chosen site.
- Firewood collection or bringing wood from outside the wilderness is prohibited.
- No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
- Pets must be on a 6ft leash.
- Please make sure to carry out any litter.
Brochures Maps, and Publications
Wildlife in Area
- Pronghorn
- Elk
- Swanson’s hawks
- Red-tailed hawks
- Rock squirrels
Flickr Album
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The Chain of Craters Byway is located in Cibola County, near Grants, NM. From Interstate I-40, access may be gained from NM 117 or NM 53.
To join the byway from the south entrance, turn south onto NM 117 from I-40, approximately 5 miles east of Grants. County Road 42 begins approximately 35 miles from the NM 117 turnoff. To join the byway from the north end, travel I-40 past Grants and take the San Rafael exit south. Travel on NM 53 approximately 25 miles. County Road 42 begins on the south side of NM 53.
Please be aware that the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway requires high-clearance vehicles. The road is not paved. Although dirt and gravel surfaced, it is routinely graded by the county. Grades, curves, and road surfaces can be negotiated with a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle without undue difficulty. During rain and snow seasons, the road is likely to be impassable.
Fees
None