Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area | New Mexico

The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness in northwestern New Mexico is a landscape of eroded badlands, colorful hoodoos, and fossil-bearing formations dating to the Late Cretaceous. This 45,000-acre wilderness protects unique geological features and paleontological resources, including petrified wood and vertebrate fossils. Hiking here means exploring unmarked routes across clay hills and sandstone outcrops, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience rugged terrain and the quiet beauty of the high desert.

Things to Do

• Hike and Explore: Human and horse-powered travel are encouraged in Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. Bisti Trailhead and De-Na-Zin Trailhead are the two primary launch points for accessing the area. The trails leading from these parking areas are informal, rough, and shared by hikers and equestrians. Recreationalists are welcome to explore off-trail as well.
• Hunt: Allowed with the proper license and permit. Follow New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulations.

Features and Services

• Hours and Seasons: The area is open year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions.  
• Access and Road Conditions: Roads are unpaved and may become slippery or impassable after rain or snow; high-clearance vehicles are recommended.  
• Facilities: Both the Bisti and De-Na-Zin trailheads have dirt parking areas. Bisti has a shaded group picnic area with accessible parking spots and an information kiosk.
• Cell Service: Minimal to nonexistent; plan for limited connectivity.
• Toilets: Bisti has a vault toilet; De-Na-Zin has no restrooms available.
• Potable Water: None available; visitors must bring their own.
• Pets: Allowed on leash.
• Camping: Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted. Check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.

Respect and Protect

Motorized and mechanical travel (including bicycles) and use of drones are prohibited due to the area’s Wilderness designation. Travelers should practice responsible outdoor ethics and stay within legal access boundaries. Enjoy exploring, but please do not climb or damage cultural sites or fragile geological features. 

BLM regulations for rock collecting apply, with the exception of petrified wood, collection of which is prohibited by the site’s Wilderness Management Plan. As on all BLM lands, it is prohibited to disturb or collect cultural objects or vertebrate fossils without a research permit.