The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area covers 45,000 acres of badlands just south of Farmington, New Mexico. This high desert wilderness features a vast landscape containing some of the most unique rock formations on this planet. The Bisti (pronounced bis-tie) was once a coastal swamp of an inland sea; and was home to many large trees, reptiles, dinosaurs, and primitive mammals. What visitors see today is the preserved record of this pre-historic swamp that is now a true desert wilderness.
Photographers, hikers, and explorers from around the world visit the Bisti Badlands to see the hoodoos, desert spires, natural arches, and fossils unique to this area. You can reach some truly astonishing landscapes within 1-4 miles of the main parking lot, off Highway 371. The area is so vast, that it is best experienced with multiple excursions.
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness supports a small number of nesting golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and prairie falcons. All of these species are extremely susceptible to human disturbance during the nesting season from February 1 to July 1. If the adult birds are approached too closely, even for a short time, they will likely abandon the nest, leaving their eggs or young to die of exposure. Be aware that disturbing nesting eagles is a violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Act and could result in civil or criminal penalties.
If you see a perched eagle, hawk, or falcon, please do not approach the bird. If you encounter a stick nest, please leave the area and move at least 500 yards away, as quietly and quickly as possible. Your cooperation is vital in protecting the future of these rare birds in the wilderness.
- Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
- Area: 182.1 km²
- Admission: No Entrance Fee
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Address: County Road 7297, Bloomfield, NM 87413
