The best walks and hikes in Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness

No, the wilderness is a primitive area with no marked or maintained trails. Hiking here involves navigating through an open badlands environment. It is essential to use a reliable GPS device or a map and compass. All routes in this guide are GPS tracks to help you explore.

You must be self-sufficient. Key items to pack include:

• Water: Bring more than you think you'll need, as there are no water sources in the wilderness.
• Navigation: A GPS device with pre-loaded tracks is highly recommended, along with a backup map and compass.
• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential due to the lack of shade.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are necessary for the uneven, rocky terrain.
• Layers: The weather can change quickly, so bring layers of clothing.

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for hiking. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), so hikes should be started at sunrise. Winter can be cold with the possibility of snow, which creates a beautiful but challenging landscape.

No permits are required for day hiking or for dispersed camping in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. However, it is always a good practice to check the official Bureau of Land Management (BLM) website for the latest regulations and any potential alerts or closures before your visit.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the wilderness area, but they must be under your control at all times to protect wildlife and the fragile landscape. Be aware of the harsh conditions; the ground can be very hot for paws, and you must carry enough water for your dog as well.

The main parking area is located off Highway 371, about 36 miles south of Farmington. From the highway, you will turn onto County Road 7297, which is a gravel road. The road is generally passable for most passenger cars in dry conditions, but it can become impassable after heavy rain or snow. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

The wilderness is famous for its surreal rock formations, often called hoodoos. Some of the most well-known features include the 'Cracked Eggs' (or Alien Egg Hatchery), the 'Bisti Arch', and various winged formations. The Stone Wings Trail — Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a great short hike to see some of these iconic shapes.

Both sunrise and sunset are spectacular times for photography in the Bisti Badlands. The low-angle light creates dramatic shadows and brings out the rich colors and textures of the rock formations. Morning light can be clearer, while sunset often provides a warmer, golden glow. Hiking during these cooler parts of the day is also safer, especially in summer.

The primary dangers are related to the remote and harsh environment. These include getting lost due to the lack of trails, dehydration from the heat and lack of water, and exposure to extreme weather. Flash floods can also occur in washes during rainstorms. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared with proper navigation tools and supplies.

The landscape is a geologic wonderland sculpted from the Fruitland Formation and Kirtland Shale. It was once a coastal swamp near an ancient sea, which is why the area is rich in fossils, including petrified wood from ancient trees and even dinosaur remains like the 'Bisti Beast' tyrannosaur. Please remember that collecting vertebrate fossils is prohibited.

Yes, there are several shorter options. The De-Na-Zin Overlook Trail — Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) walk that offers a good introduction to the terrain in that section of the wilderness. Most hikes here are about navigating open country, so you can often explore for as long or as short a time as you feel comfortable.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers frequently praise the otherworldly and surreal landscapes, the sense of solitude and adventure, and the incredible opportunities for photography. Many emphasize the need for GPS navigation due to the complete absence of marked trails.