The town of Grants lies in central New Mexico’s high desert, in a valley below the 11,000 foot volcanic summit of Tsoodził (Navajo), also known as Dwankwi Kyabachu Yalanne (Zuni), Kaweshtima (Acoma), Tsibina (Laguna), and Mt. Taylor (English), and the San Mateo mountains to the north. The Zuni Mountains lie to the west and the Rio San Jose flows east through Grants on its way to the Rio Grande. The most iconic part of this landscape, however, are the Malpais – vast flows of volcanic lava that form rugged badlands extending south from Grants for about 40 miles. The area has a rich cultural history, with humans having lived in the area for almost 12,000 years. This area has been and continues to be home to the Laguna, Zuni, and Acoma pueblos, as well as the Diné (Navajo) people.

Visitors to Grants will find a diverse, welcoming community, small-town friendliness, and fascinating history at every turn. While the town’s economy was built on the railroad connecting Gallup to Albuquerque, more recently, the region’s natural wonders are giving the area new life. From forest to mountaintops to volcanic badlands, there’s something for all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts in Grants. Download the Explore Grants! app on iOS or Android to get the full scoop on events, places to see, and where to eat while you’re in Grants.