Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area

The Mudgetts Wilderness Study Area (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.

The establishment of a WSA identifies areas for Congress to consider adding to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The BLM manages these areas to ensure its suitability for designation as wilderness is not impaired. To learn more about Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/wilderness.    

As such the area is largely undeveloped with primitive roads that require a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Driving off-road is not allowed, so please stay on established routes. Cell phone service is limited and there are no nearby facilities. Please plan ahead and make sure to pack out whatever you pack in.  

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.  

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

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 

Phone

575-234-5972

Email

BLM_NM_PDO_Mail@blm.gov

Activities

Iconograph a person wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
BACKPACKING
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BIRDING
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CAVING
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DISPERSED CAMPING
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HIKING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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STARGAZING
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WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

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

Geographic Coordinates

32.215270,, -104.466196

Directions

From U.S. Highway 62/180, 10 miles southwest of Carlsbad, N.M., turn west on County Road 408/ Dark Canyon Road. Drive just over 12 miles on County Road 408 and turn south on an unmarked/unnamed road. Drive generally in a southerly direction on this road, passing numerous well pads, for nearly 5 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. 

Fees

No

Stay Limit

14 Days