Plan In onX Backcountry

Hike-in Required

No

Open Year-round

Yes

ADA accessible

Yes

Guided tours

No

Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

La Ventana Natural Arch is a popular attraction within the El Malpais National Conservation Area, which borders the surrounding El Malpais National Monument. The arch can easily be seen from the parking area, or viewed closer via a short hike.

At the large parking area you’ll find vault toilets as well as some nice covered picnic areas. An impressive view of the arch can be enjoyed from here.

A short, ADA accessible pathway leads from the parking area to a viewpoint at the base of the arch. The trail starts out as paved, then turns to gravel. It is a very short (1/4 mile) and easy walk.

From the viewpoint at the end of the path you’ll have a great view up to the impressive arch above. The softer parts of the sandstone cliff here were eroded away by wind and water, leaving this impressive and beautiful arch.