Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area | New Mexico

The Mudgetts WSA is located in southern New Mexico about 30 miles southwest of the city of Carlsbad. The WSA is contiguous with Carlsbad Wilderness (managed by the National Park Service). The area is characterized by steeply rolling limestone hills and canyons covered in desert shrubs and cactus with scattered sotol, agave, and juniper. The region is known for its diverse vegetation, scenic vistas and caves.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Wilderness Study Areas are known for their unique wilderness characteristics, primitive recreation opportunities, solitude, and mostly undeveloped area. As a result, this area does not have any facilities or interpretive signage to make the area easier to navigate. To access the area, visitors must be able to travel along unmaintained dirt roads, walk several miles across rough terrain and handle being exposed to the elements in an area with little to no service.  

Know Before You Go 

Fees 

  • None.  

Facilities 

  • There are no restrooms available at the WSA and service is limited.   

  • There is no potable water available at the WSA. 

Nearby Amenities 

  • The nearest gas stations and stores are located in Whites City, ~28 miles away via Dark Canyon Road and U.S. Highway62/180 West.   

Season/Hours 

  • Open year-round. 

  • Seasonal flash flooding does occur and the roads leading to the WSA become impassable.  

Special Rules  

  • Permits are required to enter certain caves in Mudgetts WSA.  

  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the WSA. 

  • No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons. 

  • Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. 

Wildlife in Area 

  • Bats 

  • Bighorn sheep 

  • Rattlesnakes 

  • Pronghorn 

  • Cooper’s Hawks 

Contact Us

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Activities

Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING

Addresses

Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad
New Mexico
88220

Geographic Coordinates

32.21215806, -104.4852986

Directions

From US Hwy 62/180, 10 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM, turn west on County Road 408/ Dark Canyon Rd. Drive just over 12ј miles on CR 408 and turn south on an unmarked/unnamed road. Drive generally in a southerly direction on this road, passing numerous well pads, for nearly 5Ѕ miles. Pass the last well pad and park on the south end of it; the WSA is on the west side of the road. The road continues for another mile or so, but is a rough four wheel drive route. This road forms the eastern border of the WSA.

External Map

https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Mudgetts.pdf

Quicklinks