BLM New Mexico
Last verified May 2026
The Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway is a 33-mile dirt road through Cibola County in northwestern New Mexico, running as County Road 42 between NM-117 and NM-53. The byway traces the southern edge of El Malpais National Conservation Area, crosses the Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area, and skirts the West Malpais Wilderness, all on BLM-managed land.
The road is graded annually but unpaved end-to-end. A stock high-clearance vehicle can run it in dry conditions; rain or snow turns the surface impassable. There are no services along the route. The nearest fuel, food, and water are in Grants, about 27 miles from the closest entrance.
Trailhead: 35.00650, -108.09043
- Technical Difficulty
- easy
- Length
- 33 miles
- Direction
- Point to point
- Vehicle
- High-clearance recommended; impassable in wet weather
- Nearest town
- Grants, New Mexico
- Terrain
- Annually graded dirt road with silty surface
- Cell coverage
- Minimal
- Best months
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- Management
- Bureau of Land Management
- Trailhead
- 35.00650, -108.09043
Resources
Directions
The byway is County Road 42, accessed from either end via I-40 and a state highway.
From the south:
- Take NM 117 south from I-40, about 5 miles east of Grants.
- Continue approximately 35 miles to County Road 42 on the right.
From the north:
- Take the San Rafael exit from I-40 west of Grants.
- Travel south on NM 53 for approximately 25 miles. County Road 42 begins on the south side of NM 53.
There is no fuel, food, or water along the 33-mile byway. The nearest services are in Grants.
Photos · 7
Getting Oriented
The Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway runs 33 miles through Cibola County in northwestern New Mexico, designated as County Road 42 between NM-117 (south) and NM-53 (north). The byway traces the southern edge of El Malpais National Conservation Area, crosses the Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area, and borders the eastern edge of the West Malpais Wilderness. All adjacent lands are BLM-managed.
Trail Overview
The byway is a single dirt road, graded annually by Cibola County. Most stock high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles can traverse the route in dry conditions. Rain or snow can render it impassable due to the silty surface, sometimes within hours of the weather changing. Several segments include blind curves and steep grades that demand attention.
There is no potable water, restroom facility, or fuel along the 33-mile run. A typical drive takes two to three hours when stops are minimal.
Points of Interest
- Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area. A volcanic landscape of cinder cones along the byway. Foot access from designated pullouts.
- West Malpais Wilderness. A wilderness area immediately west of the byway, characterized by lava flows and pinyon-juniper woodland.
- El Malpais National Conservation Area. The adjacent BLM-managed NCA to the byway's north, with extensive lava-flow geology and sandstone formations.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is permitted alongside the byway. Vehicles must park on the road itself, with gear carried to the chosen campsite. Firewood collection within the wilderness or wilderness study area is prohibited; visitors must bring their own fuel. The byway is signed as day use, so any overnight stays should occur outside the formal byway boundary.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Plan for weather. Check current road conditions through the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office at (505) 761-8700 before driving.
- Carry supplies. Pack extra water, food, fuel, and recovery gear. Cell coverage is spotty.
- Respect wilderness boundaries. Vehicle travel is prohibited inside the wilderness and wilderness study areas. Hiking access is on foot from designated pullouts only.
- Leave no trace. Pack out all litter; minimize impact on the silty soil and volcanic features.
Hazards
The Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway includes blind curves, steep grades, and silty road surfaces that demand attention.
Wet conditions. Rain and snow can render the road impassable within hours. Check with the BLM Rio Puerco Field Office at (505) 761-8700 for current road conditions before driving.
No services. There is no potable water, restroom, or fuel along the route. Cell coverage is minimal. Carry extra water, food, fuel, and recovery gear.
Wilderness boundaries. The byway borders multiple wilderness and wilderness study areas. Vehicle travel within those boundaries is prohibited; access is on foot only.