📷 Unknown author, Public domainLa Ventana Natural Arch
Grants, NM
One of New Mexico’s largest arches, in El Malpais National Conservation Area. Pull-off from NM-117 and a short trail lead toward it; nearby Sandstone Bluffs overlook the lava flows.
La Ventana Natural Arch is a sandstone natural arch in western New Mexico, in Cibola County, within El Malpais National Conservation Area. With a span of about 41 meters (135 feet) and a height of 24 meters (80 feet), it is considered the second-largest natural arch in the state. The name means "the window"; the arch has officially carried it since 1989, having previously been called "Alta Arch". It is made of Zuni Sandstone, which formed from desert dunes in the Jurassic, roughly 165 to 175 million years ago.
The arch stands at about 2,180 meters (7,160 feet) on the east side of Highway 117, which you follow south for about 18 miles (roughly 29 kilometers) from Exit 89 of I-40. It is already clearly visible from the parking area; an easy trail of about 400 meters leads to the viewpoint, with the surface changing from pavement to natural trail where it enters the Cebolla Wilderness. There is parking for cars as well as for buses and RVs, restrooms, a shaded picnic area and information panels on the geology. Spring and fall are the best seasons, according to Wikipedia.
- Nearest town
- Grants, NM
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 34.8858, -107.8272
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Joe Skeen Malpais CampgroundCampsite4 mi from La Ventana Natural Arch
- Group CampsiteCampsite4 mi from La Ventana Natural Arch
- Lavaland RV ParkCampsite16 mi from La Ventana Natural ArchWi-Fi
- Grants KOACampsite18 mi from La Ventana Natural Arch
- BAR S RV ParkMotorhome stopover21 mi from La Ventana Natural Arch · 70 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Lobo Canyon CampgroundCampsite23 mi from La Ventana Natural Arch
All campsites in New Mexico · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is La Ventana Natural Arch?
La Ventana Natural Arch is in Grants, NM, at GPS 34.8858, -107.8272. It is about 68 mi from Albuquerque.
Can you camp near La Ventana Natural Arch?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Joe Skeen Malpais Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass La Ventana Natural Arch?
La Ventana Natural Arch is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Acoma Sky City, El Malpais and El Morro.
What is there to see near La Ventana Natural Arch?
Places worth a stop nearby: Acoma Sky City (14 mi), El Morro National Monument (31 mi), Very Large Array (57 mi) and Petroglyph National Monument (66 mi).
When is the best time to visit La Ventana Natural Arch?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)