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A visit to New Mexico’s Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness feels like exploring another planet.
For centuries, travelers and historians have been captivated by the beautiful sights of Turkey’s Cappadocia region. With its unique terrain and “fairy chimney” rock formations, the geology inspires wonder and intrigue. But while seeing Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—in person is incredible, traveling to Turkey is a trek.
Fortunately, there’s an equally stunning alternative closer to home, where you can explore dramatic rock formations. All you have to do is get to New Mexico. Located in the northwestern part of the state near the famed Four Corners, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area has captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts for its gorgeous wave rocks and hoodoos, which bear a stunning resemblance to Turkey’s Cappadocia. And according to the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the land is free to access and open year-round.
Spanning 45,000 acres, this remote expanse is packed with geological and historical treasures—fossils from the late Cretaceous, rugged badlands, hoodoo formations, and petrified wood, to name a few. There are a couple of informal trails, but, provided you practice Leave No Trace principles and are respectful of the land, you’re allowed to roam freely. As it says on the BLM website, “hiking here means exploring unmarked routes across clay hills and sandstone outcrops, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience rugged terrain and the quiet beauty of the high desert.”
When visiting, hikers and campers are advised to bring their own water sources since there is no potable water in the wilderness. There is also very little shade and temperatures are known to be quite high. That said, most travelers visit in the late spring or early summer as well as in the fall, as the bureau’s website notes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you go. The wilderness area is closed to motorized vehicles, and travelers cannot climb on the delicate geologic features or trespass on the adjacent private property. Pets are allowed, but must be leashed. And, according to the bureau, there is a stay limit of 14 days. Depending on the time of year and conditions, there may also be fire restrictions in place. Finally, there’s limited cell service, so be sure to bring maps or a GPS unit, especially if you plan on hiking.
Despite the challenging terrain, remote setting, and lack of amenities, the region remains popular among hikers and backpackers. Outdoor enthusiasts on AllTrails gave the region’s Bisti Badlands Trail a 4.6 rating with roughly 1,800 reviews; in the comments, many called out the amazing and otherworldly environments. In a Reddit post, another visitor described the wilderness area as “the most alien landscape I have ever seen.”
Travelers looking to explore the area can reach it from several different airports, including the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), but should be prepared to drive a few hours to reach the rock formations.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
