Pictograph Cave

Pictograph Cave is a notable lava tube in El Malpais National Monument renowned for preserving historic Native American rock art on its walls. These ancient pictographs provide valuable cultural and historical evidence of early Indigenous peoples in the region.

This historic cave is located within the boundaries of El Malpais National Monument in the state of New Mexico. The monument itself is famous for its rugged volcanic landscapes and extensive lava tube systems.

Access to Pictograph Cave may require a free caving permit from the National Park Service visitor center to protect the fragile archaeological site. Visitors are also required to decontaminate their clothing and gear to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome among local bats.

The cave contains historic pictographs, which are images painted onto the basaltic rock surfaces rather than carved into them. These painted symbols were left by Native American cultures that historically utilized the cave's shelter.