Chain of Craters is in west-central New Mexico about 25 miles southwest of Grants. It follows CR 42 south for 36 miles to the junction of NM 117. County Road 42 is a dirt road that requires a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended during wet weather. The byway usually remains open year-round but can become impassable during and after periods of inclement weather.
The Chain of Craters Back Country Byway travels through portions of the El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area. The byway crosses a brush-covered landscape with views of sandstone bluffs rising above the desert floor. This rugged and desolate area was once inhabited by Indians, and crossed by Spanish and American explorers who carved their names in the sandstone. Inscription Rock can be seen to the west in El Morro National Monument. The earliest inscription dates to 1605 by Juan de Onate, a Spanish governor and colonizer of New Mexico. Native American symbols and pictures are also carved in the rock.
The 40,000-acre West Malpais Wilderness offers opportunities for exploring. Hiking on the lava rocks in this area is very rugged and not re-commended for the inexperienced hiker. Numerous side roads provide easier hiking for those interested in exploring the area on foot. These side roads are also used by mountain bikers. Four-wheel vehicles and mountain bikes are prohibited from the wilderness area. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows a portion of the byway along the northern area.
There are no developed public campgrounds along the byway, however, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land. Be sure to bring your own water as none is available.