Bat Outflight Guided Hike

Program start times vary throughout the summer based on sunset time and when bats have been observed flying out of the cave. Please check the calendar for updated start times. The hike will take approximately 45 minutes to reach Bat Cave. Once at Bat Cave, you may wait up to 45 minutes to see bats fly. Remember, bats are wild animals and will do what they want! Seeing bats is not a guarantee.

Join El Malpais National Monument park rangers on Friday nights this summer to see the bats! Thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats burst out of a lava tube cave at El Calderon on summer evenings to hunt insects above the lava flows. Learn about their fascinating lives on this 2-mile round trip guided hike.

Details

This easy, 2-mile round trip guided hike starts from the El Calderon Parking Area off NM 53. The path to the cave where bats fly is graveled and wide in most spots but does get narrow as it follows a deep dropoff near a lava tube cave.

Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and a source of light that is NOT a phone. It will be dark when returning to the parking area. Wear layered clothing as the weather can change unpredictably, especially after the sun goes down. Sturdy shoes are recommended.

This program will be canceled if thunder or lightning is detected.