- Region
- NM, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm activity-specific permit requireme…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Farmington Field Office
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Photos of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
How to get there
For Bisti Trailhead, drive south from Farmington on NM-371 for about 36 miles. Turn east onto County Road 7297 and continue approximately 2 miles to a T-intersection; turn left and drive 1 mile to the main parking area. For De-Na-Zin Trailhead, drive south from Bloomfield on US-550 for about 12 miles, then turn west onto County Road 7500 and continue approximately 11¼ miles. The access roads are unpaved and may become slippery or impassable after rain or snow. High-clearance vehicles are recommended.
- Bisti Trailhead
Primary access to unmarked badlands exploration, with dirt parking, accessible parking spaces, a shaded group picnic area, an information kiosk, and a vault toilet. No potable water is available.
- De-Na-Zin Trailhead
Primary access toward De-Na-Zin Wash, reached via County Road 7500. Dirt parking is available, but there are no restrooms or potable water.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
NM, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Badlands, hoodoos, and fossil-bearing rock
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness protects roughly 45,000 acres of eroded badlands in northwestern New Mexico’s San Juan County. Clay hills, sandstone outcrops, and colorful hoodoos dominate a landscape with little vegetation. Sagebrush, cacti, and scattered tumbleweed leave much of the ground exposed, making the rock formations the main focus of a walk. Fossil-bearing formations date to the Late Cretaceous, and petrified wood and vertebrate fossils are among the protected resources. This is a place to examine slowly rather than cover by following a maintained trail. Human- and horse-powered travel are allowed, but motorized and mechanical travel, including bicycles, and drone use are prohibited. Leave petrified wood in place, do not disturb or collect vertebrate fossils or cultural objects, and avoid climbing or damaging fragile formations and cultural sites.
Unmarked travel and exposed conditions
Expect route-finding rather than a signed trail network. The wilderness has uneven clay and rock surfaces, occasional steep slopes, and informal approaches shared by hikers and equestrians. From Bisti, exploration spreads into the badlands without a defined trail; from De-Na-Zin, a short approach reaches De-Na-Zin Wash before travel becomes more open-ended. Carry a map and compass, keep track of the return direction, and do not depend on a phone connection: cell service is minimal to nonexistent. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable conditions, although the area is open year-round. Summer brings intense direct and reflected heat, while winter mornings can be very cold. Rain can turn firm ground slippery and soft, and rain or snow can make the unpaved access roads impassable. Bring all drinking water; none is available.
Trailhead facilities and overnight planning
The two main trailheads offer different levels of support. Bisti has dirt parking, accessible parking spaces, a shaded group picnic area, an information kiosk, and a vault toilet. De-Na-Zin has dirt parking but no restrooms. Accessible parking at Bisti does not mean the wilderness terrain is accessible: routes remain rough, unmarked, and uneven. Primitive dispersed camping is permitted, there are no fees, and the stay limit is 14 days. Check current fire restrictions with the Bureau of Land Management before departure and follow posted guidance. Pack for a self-supported visit, including enough water for the entire stay and a way to navigate without connectivity. Pets must remain on leash. Private Navajo parcels lie within the wilderness boundaries, so confirm land boundaries before choosing a route or campsite and respect private property.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 36.3018, -108.1219
- Latitude (DMS)
- 36° 18′ 6.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 108° 7′ 19.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
An eerie otherworldliness surrounds Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, especially when the moon casts shadows across the hoodoos, weird rock formations with mazelike passages. Difficult as it is to believe, this...
Key takeaways
- Region: NM, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 36.302, -108.122
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Surfing
Swell windows and access from camp.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Horseback Riding
Stock-legal trail and forage rules.
Animals around Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Badlands, hoodoos, and fossil-bearing rock
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness protects roughly 45,000 acres of eroded badlands in northwestern New Mexico’s San Juan County. Clay hills, sandstone outcrops, and colorful hoodoos dominate a landscape with little vegetation. Sagebrush, cacti, and scattered tumbleweed leave much of the ground exposed, making the rock formations the main focus of a walk. Fossil-bearing formations date to the Late Cretaceous, and petrified wood and vertebrate fossils are among the protected resources. This is a place to examine slowly rather than cover by following a maintained trail. Human- and horse-powered travel are allowed, but motorized and mechanical travel, including bicycles, and drone use are prohibited. Leave petrified wood in place, do not disturb or collect vertebrate fossils or cultural objects, and avoid climbing or damaging fragile formations and cultural sites.
Unmarked travel and exposed conditions
Expect route-finding rather than a signed trail network. The wilderness has uneven clay and rock surfaces, occasional steep slopes, and informal approaches shared by hikers and equestrians. From Bisti, exploration spreads into the badlands without a defined trail; from De-Na-Zin, a short approach reaches De-Na-Zin Wash before travel becomes more open-ended. Carry a map and compass, keep track of the return direction, and do not depend on a phone connection: cell service is minimal to nonexistent. Spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable conditions, although the area is open year-round. Summer brings intense direct and reflected heat, while winter mornings can be very cold. Rain can turn firm ground slippery and soft, and rain or snow can make the unpaved access roads impassable. Bring all drinking water; none is available.
Trailhead facilities and overnight planning
The two main trailheads offer different levels of support. Bisti has dirt parking, accessible parking spaces, a shaded group picnic area, an information kiosk, and a vault toilet. De-Na-Zin has dirt parking but no restrooms. Accessible parking at Bisti does not mean the wilderness terrain is accessible: routes remain rough, unmarked, and uneven. Primitive dispersed camping is permitted, there are no fees, and the stay limit is 14 days. Check current fire restrictions with the Bureau of Land Management before departure and follow posted guidance. Pack for a self-supported visit, including enough water for the entire stay and a way to navigate without connectivity. Pets must remain on leash. Private Navajo parcels lie within the wilderness boundaries, so confirm land boundaries before choosing a route or campsite and respect private property.
Route options
- Bisti Trailhead explorationUneven, trail-less terrain with route-finding required.
Explore outward from the parking area across the badlands on unmarked, self-directed routes. There is no maintained trail to follow; choose an outing suited to conditions and navigation skills, and keep track of the way back. Avoid fragile formations and private parcels.
- De-Na-Zin Trailhead to De-Na-Zin WashAbout ¾ mile to the washRough informal approach; onward exploration requires off-trail navigation.
Follow the short informal approach from the trailhead to De-Na-Zin Wash. Exploration can continue beyond the approach into open badlands, but there is no marked onward itinerary. The stated distance covers only the approach to the wash.
Sample itineraries
- Bisti Badlands Day Hike · 1 day
Start at Bisti Trailhead and explore unmarked terrain among clay hills, sandstone outcrops, and hoodoos. Choose a turnaround based on conditions and navigation confidence rather than expecting a signed loop. Photograph petrified wood without collecting it, and retrace a tracked route to the parking area.
- De-Na-Zin Wash Exploration · 1 day
From De-Na-Zin Trailhead, follow the informal approach about three-quarters of a mile to De-Na-Zin Wash. Continue exploring only as conditions and navigation skills allow. Bring all drinking water and plan for no restroom at the trailhead.
- Primitive Badlands Overnight · 2 days
Begin at Bisti Trailhead, explore the badlands, and make a primitive dispersed camp within legal boundaries, away from fragile features. Carry water for both days and check fire restrictions before departure. Return the next day using your recorded route; respect private Navajo parcels within the wilderness.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
One of the most comfortable seasons for exploring. Sun exposure remains important in the sparsely vegetated badlands. Check the forecast and road conditions; rain can make unpaved access roads slippery or impassable.
Summer
Summer; precipitation commonly arrives in July and August
Temperatures can rise from around 65°F in the morning to nearly 100°F in the afternoon. Direct and reflected heat can be intense even at 80°F. Start early, carry ample water, and reconsider travel when downpours threaten to soften clay and access roads.
Fall
Fall
Along with spring, fall offers the most comfortable conditions. Routes remain unmarked and water is unavailable regardless of season. Check recent precipitation before committing to the unpaved approach.
Winter
Winter
Morning temperatures can fall to 10°F. Pack insulating layers and allow for cold starts. Rain or snow can leave access roads slippery or impassable; year-round opening does not guarantee usable roads.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | One of the most comfortable seasons for exploring. Sun exposure remains important in the sparsely vegetated badlands. Check the forecast and road conditions; rain can make unpaved access roads slippery or impassable. |
| Summer | Summer; precipitation commonly arrives in July and August | Temperatures can rise from around 65°F in the morning to nearly 100°F in the afternoon. Direct and reflected heat can be intense even at 80°F. Start early, carry ample water, and reconsider travel when downpours threaten to soften clay and access roads. |
| Fall | Fall | Along with spring, fall offers the most comfortable conditions. Routes remain unmarked and water is unavailable regardless of season. Check recent precipitation before committing to the unpaved approach. |
| Winter | Winter | Morning temperatures can fall to 10°F. Pack insulating layers and allow for cold starts. Rain or snow can leave access roads slippery or impassable; year-round opening does not guarantee usable roads. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the BLM Farmington Field Office. Primitive dispersed camping is permitted, with a 14-day stay limit. Hunting requires the proper license and permit under New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulations.
Fees: No fees.
Official source: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area - Bureau of Land Management · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Unmarked routes and mazelike formations make navigation demanding. Carry a map and compass, track your route, and do not depend on cellular service.
- Direct and reflected sun can produce intense heat. No potable water is available; carry your entire supply.
- Rain turns hardened soil slippery and yielding. Unpaved access roads may become impassable after rain or snow; high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
- Uneven clay and rock surfaces, rough approaches, and occasional steep slopes require careful footing.
- Winter mornings can reach 10°F. Carry adequate insulation and avoid a plan that depends on warm daytime conditions.
What to pack for Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
- Topographic map showing wilderness and private-property boundaries
- Compass
- Offline navigation with a recorded return route
- Satellite communicator for areas without cell service
- All drinking and cooking water needed for the trip
- Extra water reserve
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing
- Sturdy footwear for uneven clay and rock
- Insulating layers appropriate to the forecast
- Rain shell
- First-aid kit and headlamp
- Tent or other backcountry shelter
- Season-appropriate sleeping bag and pad
- Food that can be prepared without a campfire
- Waste bags and supplies for packing out trash
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness FAQ
- How do you reach the main trailheads?
- For Bisti, drive south from Farmington on NM-371 about 36 miles, east on County Road 7297 approximately 2 miles, then left at the T-intersection for 1 mile. For De-Na-Zin, head south from Bloomfield on US-550 about 12 miles, then west on County Road 7500 approximately 11¼ miles.
- Are there marked trails?
- Expect informal, rough approaches and largely trail-less terrain rather than a marked trail network. Off-trail exploration is allowed, but visitors must navigate independently and remain within legal access boundaries.
- What facilities and accessible features are available?
- Both trailheads have dirt parking. Bisti has a vault toilet, shaded group picnic area, accessible parking spots, and an information kiosk. De-Na-Zin has no restrooms. Neither provides potable water. Beyond the parking areas, uneven clay, rock, and occasional steep slopes limit accessibility.
- Can fossils or petrified wood be collected?
- Petrified wood collection is prohibited. Cultural objects and vertebrate fossils may not be disturbed or collected without a research permit. Other rock collecting is subject to BLM regulations. Leave finds in place and avoid climbing or damaging fragile geological features and cultural sites.
- Are dogs, bicycles, and drones allowed?
- Dogs are allowed on leash. Human- and horse-powered travel are encouraged. Motorized and mechanical travel, including bicycles, and drone use are prohibited.
- Can you camp, and are campfires allowed?
- Primitive dispersed camping is permitted, with a 14-day stay limit. Check current fire restrictions with the BLM Farmington Field Office before departure and follow posted signs. Respect private property within the wilderness and plan to camp without services or supplied water.