New Mexico's Otherworldly Rock Formations Await Exploration

A Unique Landscape in New Mexico

New Mexico is a state known for its breathtaking landscapes that can leave you speechless. From the ancient caves of Bandelier National Monument to the panoramic views of Heart Lake, which stretch all the way to Colorado, the state's diverse geology creates scenes so stunning they feel like they belong to another world. In the northwest corner of the state lies the Bisti Badlands, a place that feels like it was plucked from a post-apocalyptic film set on Mars. Known as the De-Na-Zin Wilderness, which translates to "standing crane" in Navajo, this hidden treasure is a true backcountry destination untouched by modern life. Over 43,000 acres of desert terrain are dominated by otherworldly arches and surreal spire formations.

A Geological Wonder

For adventurers with a niche bucket list, the Bisti Badlands offer a unique experience shaped by millions of years of erosion. Long before it became a barren landscape, the area was once a lush coastal swamp where dinosaurs roamed freely. As the water receded, it exposed layers of mudstone, coal, sandstone, shale, and silt. Following the ice age, melting glaciers sculpted the high desert's hoodoos, rising dramatically from what was once an inland seabed. Although the dinosaurs are long gone, their legacy lives on through fossils found in the De-Na-Zin Wilderness, including a 29-foot-long dinosaur related to the Tyrannosaurus rex.

Planning Your Visit

If you're starting your journey from Albuquerque, the drive to the Bisti Badlands takes about three hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport in Colorado, cutting the travel time down to two hours. When planning your trip, it's best to avoid the peak summer and winter months due to extreme temperatures and strong winds. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit, and if you want to have the area to yourself, consider visiting on a weekday.

No matter the season, it's crucial to bring enough water, as there are no supplies available in the Bisti Badlands. Also, be aware that there is no cell service in the area, so it's important to carry a compass and know how to navigate without technology. You can find instructional YouTube videos and downloadable online maps to help you prepare for your visit.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

The city of Farmington serves as the gateway to the Bisti Badlands, located just an hour away. If you're not planning to camp in the wilderness, Farmington offers several convenient options for overnight stays, including the Baymont Inn and Suites, Best Western Plus Four Corners Inn, Casa Blanca Inn and Suites, and Courtyard by Marriott. For those traveling in an RV, there are parks such as B&L RV Park and Storage, Farmington Lake, or McGee Park RV Park.

Camping is allowed in the Bisti Badlands, but it’s in its most primitive form with no designated campgrounds. Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited, and you cannot light a campfire, take fossils, use drones, or climb the rocks. Group sizes are limited to no more than nine people.

Experiencing the Bisti Badlands

Despite the rules, the Bisti Badlands offer an awe-inspiring experience. The only way to explore the area is on foot, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring both an online and paper map. Without trail markers, navigation requires old-fashioned skills. As you hike, you'll encounter unique rock formations like the King of Wings, a large boulder balancing a 10-foot-long slab on top. The Rock Garden features small hoodoos, while the "Alien Woman" formation overlooks the landscape.

Other highlights include the Cracked Eggs, Capped Rocks, Red Rock Garden, and petrified trees that once thrived in the area. Be sure to bring your camera, especially during golden hour when the sun's rays highlight the desert's unique textures. Wildlife such as horned lizards, coyotes, golden eagles, and prairie falcons can also be spotted. On clear nights, you may even see the Milky Way.

For those who prefer a guided experience, tour guides are available to provide a stress-free excursion with historical insights. If you're looking for similar sights, the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, just an hour away, offers jagged spires, colorful rock formations, and fossils.