Angel Peak Scenic Area

Angel Peak Scenic Area covers over 10,000 acres of rugged badlands and features dramatic views of Angel Peak—a nearly 7,000-foot sandstone landmark. A short rim trail and interpretive panels allow visitors to explore colorful hoodoos, petrified wood, and mammal fossil remnants eroding from the San Jose and underlying Nacimiento Formations. Picnic areas and a small campground provide a base for hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, and quiet exploration of this geologically and paleontologically rich landscape.

Hours and Seasons

The area is open year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather. Summer can bring extreme heat, while winter and wet conditions may make access roads and trails muddy or impassable. Visitors should check local road conditions before visiting and bring plenty of water.

Features and Services

• Access & Parking: Gravel parking available at picnic areas and campground; roads may require high-clearance vehicles when wet. Watch for traffic and heavy trucks associated with oilfield infrastructure.
• Facilities: Three picnic areas (Sage, Castle Rock, Cliffs) each include shelters, picnic tables on concrete pads, fire grates, gravel paths, and trash cans. Vault restrooms are located at the picnic areas and campground.
• Cell Service: Minimal to nonexistent; plan for limited connectivity.
• Pets: Allowed on leash; pet waste should be packed out.
• Camping: 
  • Angel Peak Campground is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are nine tent camping sites, each with picnic tables on a concrete pad, gravel pathways, and fire grates. Picnic shelters are located at three campsites: two single shelters and one with a double shelter suitable for larger groups. One accessible vault toilet and trash receptacles are located in the campground. Please keep vehicles and camping activities within the designated tent sites.
  • Primitive, dispersed camping is also permitted. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.
• Nearby Amenities: Bloomfield (~16 miles) and Farmington (~30 miles) provide food, fuel, lodging, and medical services.

Respect and Protect

Travelers should practice responsible outdoor ethics, stay within legal access boundaries, and follow BLM regulations for rock collecting. Enjoy exploring, but please do not climb or damage hoodoos or other fragile geological features.

Active gas wells also exist in the Angel Peak Scenic Area. Be safe and stay away from well pads, pipelines, and other oilfield equipment.