Permits and Reservations

Individual Caving Permits

A free caving permit is required to visit any lava tube cave at El Malpais National Monument. Individual caving permits are issued for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 10 people per group. The capacitiy for each cave is 10 people per cave per day. Cave permits can be picked up at the El Malpais Visitor Center at Exit 85 on I-40 in Grants, NM or at the El Morro National Monument Visitor Center.

Not all lava tube caves are open to visit. Visit the caving page for information on open caves and how to prepare for caving at El Malpais.

Special Use Permits

Individuals or groups who wish to use El Malpais National Monument for a special purpose or event require a Special Use Permit. A Special Use Permit must be applied for and approved by the Superintendent. Special Use Permits include, but are not limited to, weddings, large group picnics, sporting events, church services, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, 1st Amendment activities (fee is waived), or anyone wishing to use a public address system. Permit applications require a $100 non-refundable processing fee and must be received by the park at least 2 months prior to proposed activity. Your submission of an application DOES NOT guarantee approval of a permit. Special use permit applications are available to download. If you have questions or are interested in these permits, please contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator by e-mail.

Research Permits

Anyone wishing to conduct research at El Malpais National Monument must first submit an application. Contact the Research Permit Coordinator at 505-285-4641 ext. 227 or email us for more information.

Permit Requirements for Filming & Still Photography

Who needs a permit?

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;

• Uses hand-carried equipment only;

• Does not require exclusive use of a site;

• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and

• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources. Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

What fees will I have to pay if I need a permit?

Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes a non-refundable application fee of $200 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. Permit applications be received by the park at least 2 months prior to proposed activity. Your submission of an application DOES NOT guarantee approval of a permit. In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography.

Filming in Wilderness Areas
The National Park Service manages and protects more than 44 million acres of Congressionally-designated wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964. These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, or landing aircrafts.Special Use Permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, except casual filming by visitors, no matter the group size or equipment used.

How do I apply for a permit?
To apply for a filming or photography permit, use the Special Use Permit for Still Photography. Please allow two months for permit processing. Contact the park permit coordinator via email with questions.