Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
Farmington, NM
Badlands of eroded hoodoos and petrified wood with no marked trails. Park at the main lot off NM-371 and navigate by GPS; carry plenty of water.
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a protected area of about 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres) in northwestern New Mexico, south of Farmington. The landscape consists of eroded badlands with colorful hoodoos, sculpted rock walls and balancing rocks. The layers date from the Late Cretaceous and contain petrified wood and vertebrate fossils. Lonely Planet calls the area a dream destination for photographers, especially in the morning and evening.
There are no marked trails, only informal paths; away from them you are free to roam. One path leads about 1.6 kilometers to the heart of the formations. Orientation is difficult, so take a compass or GPS. There is no water and hardly any cell reception. Removing or damaging petrified wood is prohibited; bicycles and drones are not allowed.
The approach to the Bisti parking area follows NM 371 for about 58 kilometers (36 miles) south of Farmington, then unpaved roads. After rain or snow they can be slippery or impassable, and the BLM recommends vehicles with high ground clearance. Dispersed camping is allowed (14 days maximum; check fire restrictions in advance). Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons.
- Nearest town
- Farmington, NM
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 36.2653, -108.2511
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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FAQs
Where is Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is in Farmington, NM, at GPS 36.2653, -108.2511. It is about 43 mi from Shiprock.
Which road trips pass Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Chaco Canyon and the San Juan Basin.
What is there to see near Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chaco Culture National Historical Park (21 mi), Aztec Ruins National Monument (42 mi), Window Rock Navajo Tribal Park (60 mi) and Mesa Verde National Park (65 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)