Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

Discovering the Surreal Beauty of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico

 

Tucked away in the high desert of northwestern New Mexico lies a mind-bending landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.  About 30 miles south of Farmington, this remote badlands area is an untouched geological playground sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Here, nature is the true artist, creating a labyrinth of strange rock formations, colorful hills, and alien-like hoodoos.  While the entire area is a wonderland for adventurers and photographers alike, our absolute favorite corner is the Valley of Dreams, which you can check out in one of our previous posts.

 

If time allows, there are more other worldly areas to discover. Wander over to the Cracked Eggs, a field of bizarre, shell-like boulders that look like they hatched from prehistoric creatures.

Or, head to the Chocolate Hoodoos for a rich, earthy palette of layered formations. Or climb through the Rock Garden, where petrified stumps and spires rise unexpectedly from the desert floor.

 

And if you're up for a challenge, seek out the remote but epic King of Wings, where a massive wing-shaped rock juts dramatically into the air.

 

Bisti isn't marked with trails or signs, so it feels like true exploration. Here, GPS combined with offline maps, and curiosity are your best friends.  It's raw, wild, and will leave you questioning what planet you're on. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a sense of wonder.  Bisti isn't just a place you visit it's a place to discover. Its raw, unfiltered, and completely open for your exploration.  No fences and no fees, just pure wild New Mexico.

 

 

See you on the next adventure!

 

Love, 

The Team