The El Malpais National Monument is an important historical area that has played a major role in the lives of those who lived and passed through here. The name is Spanish for “badlands” and was assigned by Spanish explorers who avoided the area; not everyone who came agreed with the Spanish, though. Many Native American civilizations passed through, leaving cairns to mark their passage and incorporating the landscape into their stories and ceremonies. Settlers tried to establish themselves along the outskirts, and the remains of some of their homes can still be seen today. Camping near El Malpais National Monument will provide you access to everything the park has to offer.