Ojito Wilderness Study Area is a high desert wilderness study area in New Mexico, characterized by its unique geological formations and diverse terrain. The landscape features steep-sided mesas, rocky terraces, retreating escarpments, and deep arroyos, alongside austere badlands with multi-colored shale, sandstone, and limestone. This environment provides a setting for several sports like jogging and hiking, offering opportunities to explore its primitive recreation areas and distinctive natural features.
The Ojito Wilderness Studyβ¦
11
Routes
4.7
(5)
Average rating
42
People visited

5.0
(1)
11
hikers
6.04km
01:36
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
10
hikers
12.9km
03:33
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
hikers
3.43km
00:55
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

19.4km
05:28
400m
400m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
runners
12.0km
01:22
250m
250m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.97km
00:43
60m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3.43km
00:25
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

11.4km
01:17
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Ojito Wilderness Study Area is an 11,000-acre high desert region in New Mexico. It is characterized by diverse terrain including mesas, rocky terraces, arroyos, and badlands, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
The Ojito Wilderness Study Area offers opportunities for primitive recreation, primarily jogging and hiking. Its varied terrain and unique geological features provide a setting for exploring the landscape on foot.
Yes, some sections of trails like the Ojito Wilderness Trail, also known as the Hoodoo Trail, are relatively flat and suitable for jogging. This allows for exploration of scenic viewpoints and unique rock formations. More information is available in the Running Trails in Ojito Wilderness Study Area guide.
Notable features include unusual hoodoo rock formations, which can be seen along the Hoodoo Trail. The area is also rich in geological and paleontological history, with sites like the Seismosaurus excavation site accessible via the Seismosaurus Trail.
The varied terrain of the Ojito Wilderness Study Area provides hiking challenges for various experience levels. Established trails like the Hoodoo Trail offer accessible routes with geological wonders. For detailed information, consult the Hiking in Ojito Wilderness Study Area guide.
The Ojito Wilderness Study Area is managed by the BLM, and generally, dogs are permitted on trails if they are leashed. Visitors should always practice Leave No Trace principles and ensure pets do not disturb wildlife or other visitors.
The Ojito Wilderness Study Area is undeveloped, meaning there are no facilities such as potable water, restrooms, or visitor centers. Visitors must be self-sufficient and carry all necessary supplies, including plenty of water.
Access to the Ojito Wilderness Study Area often involves challenging roads that may require a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. These roads can become impassable during inclement weather. Motorized vehicles and wheeled devices are not permitted within the wilderness area itself.
Routes in the Ojito Wilderness Study Area have an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 40 visitors who have shared their experiences in the area.
Yes, komoot offers guides to help plan visits. These include Running Trails in Ojito Wilderness Study Area and Hiking in Ojito Wilderness Study Area.
Official information about the Ojito Wilderness Study Area is available through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The official website is www.blm.gov/nm/ojito. For direct inquiries, the Rio Puerco Field Office can be contacted at +1-505-761-8700.
The area features diverse geological formations, including steep-sided mesas, rocky terraces, and deep arroyos that expose millions of years of sedimentary deposits. It is also known for its paleontological riches, including fossils from the 150 million-year-old Jurassic Age Morrison Formation.
Motorized vehicles and wheeled devices, including mountain bikes and drones, are not permitted within the wilderness area itself. Travel is restricted to foot or horseback to preserve its primitive character.

