The Remote Wilderness Area in New Mexico You Should Visit

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area is a famously photographed place in New Mexico, but it's also true that photos just don't do this place justice. Tucked away in northwestern New Mexico, the remote landscape is marked by baffling, surreal rock formations that look more like a contemporary art installation than a natural landscape. Simply put, you need to see it for yourself, and you'll find all of our local tips and recommendations below.

What Makes Bisti Badlands So Unique

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness has been in the making for millions of years. Between 70 and 54 million years ago, it was swampland and dinosaurs inhabited the area. Scientists have unearthed numerous fossils here. Today, you’re more likely to encounter raptors and other birds of prey, along with small animals and reptiles.

The desert landscape will surprise you at every turn, with the characteristic rock formations jutting out against the sky. It's easy to imagine the slow erosion that has taken place over the course of history. It's a unique slice of New Mexico's landscape, which is often associated with high desert, mountains, and dense forests.

What It Feels Like To Explore Bisti Badlands

Roaming across the 41,170 acres of the Bisti Badlands makes you feel like you’ve climbed inside the pages of a fantasy novel. The land varies from undulating grasslands to hills, and rock formations streaked with shades of white, gray, black, and red. The land consists of layers of shale, sandstone, mudstone, coal, and silt. Over time, erosion has formed the hoodoos and pinnacles you see today. They are natural wonders in New Mexico that you won't find in many other places. Some of the shapes resemble mushrooms, while others look more like eggs, or perhaps flower buds beginning to bloom.

What To Know Before Visiting Bisti Badlands

The wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. There are no marked trails, just washes. Follow Gateway Wash from the parking lot into the badlands. After a short hike down a slope, you are free to delve into Bisti’s hidden world. Please don’t climb on the fragile formations or remove any petrified wood.

It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water, food, layers of clothing, and sunscreen. Since there are no services available, you need to pack in and pack out. The roads in are gravel and, in one section, essentially packed sand. Don’t attempt to visit Bisti when the weather is bad, and make a note of directions before you start out, because you’re likely to lose cell reception before you arrive. Of course, going completely off-grid is part of the appeal of this place. The wilderness area is free and always open. If you are interested in hiking in New Mexico, this should definitely be on your list.

For detailed directions to the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, visit the official Bureau of Land Management website. To learn more about the Bisti Badlands & De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, check out our podcast episode on YouTube. Did you know about this otherworldly place in New Mexico? Have you been there? Discover more incredible places for hiking in New Mexico—your next great adventure awaits!