About Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
Heading to Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
No central reservation system listed for Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15137) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
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…
How do I contact Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway?
You can reach the park at phone: 505-761-8700 or email: blm_nm_comments@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
