Ojito Wilderness encompasses more than 11,000 acres of rugged high desert
southwest of San Ysidro, New Mexico. Visitors will encounter steep mesas, box
canyons, hoodoos, and multicolored sandstone formations shaped by millions of
years of erosion.

## Things to Do

  * **Hike and Explore** : Non-motorized backcountry travel is encouraged in Ojito Wilderness Area. In addition, there are two hiking trails – Seismosaurus Trail and Hoodoo Trail. Both depart from the same parking area and are about two miles round trip. To access the trails from the parking area: 
    *  _Seismosaurus_ Trail: Cross the road to the north and go through the pedestrian gate. This trail leads to where a _Seismosaurus_ dinosaur skeleton was once excavated.
    * Hoodoo Trail: Walk about 400 feet east on the road until you reach the primitive trail on the north side. This trail passes hoodoos and other erosional features and ends at a viewpoint overlooking scenic badlands.
  * **Hunt** : Allowed with the proper license and permits. Follow New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulations.

## Features and Services

  * **Hours and Seasons** : The area is open year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions. 
  * **Access and Road Conditions** : Winter and wet conditions may make access roads and trails muddy or impassable – high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended.
  * **Cell Service** : Limited or none—plan for no coverage
  * **Toilets** : None
  * **Potable Water** : None—bring all water needed
  * **Pets** : Allowed on leash; please pack out waste
  * **Camping** : Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted. Check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.

## Respect and Protect

Motorized and mechanical travel (including bicycles) and use of drones are
prohibited due to the area’s Wilderness designation. Travelers should practice
responsible outdoor ethics, stay within legal access boundaries, and follow
BLM regulations for recreational collecting. Enjoy exploring, but please do
not climb or damage cultural sites or fragile geological features.

It is prohibited to disturb or collect cultural objects or vertebrate fossils
without a research permit.

Ojito Wilderness encompasses more than 11,000 acres of rugged high desert southwest of San Ysidro, New Mexico. Visitors will encounter steep mesas, box canyons, hoodoos, and multicolored sandstone formations shaped by millions of years of erosion.<h2>Things to Do</h2><ul><li>Hike and Explore: Non-motorized backcountry travel is encouraged in Ojito Wilderness Area. In addition, there are two hiking trails – Seismosaurus Trail and Hoodoo Trail. Both depart from the same parking area and are about two miles round trip. To access the trails from the parking area:  <ul><li>Seismosaurus Trail: Cross the road to the north and go through the pedestrian gate. This trail leads to where a Seismosaurus dinosaur skeleton was once excavated.</li><li>Hoodoo Trail: Walk about 400 feet east on the road until you reach the primitive trail on the north side. This trail passes hoodoos and other erosional features and ends at a viewpoint overlooking scenic badlands.</li></ul></li><li>Hunt: Allowed with the proper license and permits. Follow <a href="https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/" rel="nofollow">New Mexico Department of Game and Fish</a> regulations.</li></ul><h2>Features and Services</h2><ul><li>Hours and Seasons: The area is open year-round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions.  </li><li>Access and Road Conditions: Winter and wet conditions may make access roads and trails muddy or impassable – high-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended.</li><li>Cell Service: Limited or none—plan for no coverage</li><li>Toilets: None</li><li>Potable Water: None—bring all water needed</li><li>Pets: Allowed on leash; please pack out waste</li><li>Camping: Primitive, <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping" rel="nofollow">dispersed camping</a> is permitted. Check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property.</li></ul><h2>Respect and Protect</h2>Motorized and mechanical travel (including bicycles) and use of drones are prohibited due to the area’s Wilderness designation. Travelers should practice responsible <a href="https://www.blm.gov/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow">outdoor ethics</a>, stay within legal access boundaries, and follow BLM regulations for <a href="https://www.blm.gov/Learn/Can-I-Keep-This" rel="nofollow">recreational collecting</a>. Enjoy exploring, but please do not climb or damage cultural sites or fragile geological features.It is prohibited to disturb or collect cultural objects or vertebrate fossils without a research permit.

Ojito Wilderness

Ojito Wilderness Area

The Ojito WSA is located adjacent to, and is under consideration for addition
to, the Ojito Wilderness. Please visit the Ojito Wilderness webpage for more
information: www.blm.gov/nm/ojito.

The Ojito WSA is located adjacent to, and is under consideration for addition to, the Ojito Wilderness. Please visit the Ojito Wilderness webpage for more information: www.blm.gov/nm/ojito.

Bird's eye view of the park

Ojito Wilderness Study Area

White Ridge Bike Trails wind across gypsum-rich mesa ridges of the Tierra
Amarilla Anticline, southwest of San Ysidro. This 12-mile trail system,
designed primarily for mountain biking, offers fast, flowing singletrack along
exposed ridgelines with steep climbs, technical descents, and panoramic views
of the high desert. Hikers are welcome on all trails, and one segment is open
to equestrian use.

The trails wind through the Pueblo of Zia, State of New Mexico, and public
land managed by the BLM. BLM has obtained rights-of-way from the Pueblo and
the State to provide this biking experience – please respect property rights
by staying on the trails.

The area’s striking white gypsum formations and rugged terrain also make it a
popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, and paleontological
exploration. Rare Early Jurassic fossils—including dinosaur bones and
petrified trees from the Morrison Formation, dating back over 150 million
years—are found in the surrounding region. Notably, the longest dinosaur ever
discovered, _Seismosaurus_ , was unearthed only a few miles west of the trail
system in what is now the Ojito Wilderness, highlighting the area’s scientific
importance.

## Hours and Seasons

Open year‑round. High desert conditions prevail—hot summers and occasional
storms. Early mornings or cooler seasons offer best riding and hiking
conditions.

## Features and Services

  * **Recreational Activities** : Mountain biking on beginner to advanced trails; hiking allowed on all trails; one segment designated for equestrian use. 
  * **Access and Parking** : Gravel lot at trailhead; high-clearance preferred, but accessible to most when dry. 
  * **Cell Service** : Limited and unreliable; plan accordingly.
  * **Toilets** : None on-site.
  * **Drinking Water** : None available; bring your own.
  * **Pets** : Allowed but must remain on a leash.
  * **Camping** : Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands adjacent to the trails. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property. Public and private camping options are available in Bernalillo, NM along US-550.
  * **Nearby Amenities** : San Ysidro (6 miles) provides basic services; Albuquerque is the nearest urban center. 

## Trail System Details

  * **Main Loops** : Two concentric loops (~12 miles total) include the scenic “Dragon’s Back” on inner west leg and outer east leg across narrow gypsum ridges. 
  * **Elevation and Difficulty** : Steep climbs and descents, about 1,000 ft total gain/loss; trails range from green (beginner) to black diamond (expert). 
  * **Trail Markers & Map**: Junction numbers mark intersections, with maps available at the trailhead.

## Respect and Protect

Travelers should practice responsible outdoor ethics, stay within legal access
boundaries, and follow BLM regulations for rock collecting. Erosion-prone
trail segments may close after wet weather — do not ride in muddy conditions.
Equestrian access requires appropriate permissions across Pueblo land.

White Ridge Bike Trails wind across gypsum-rich mesa ridges of the Tierra Amarilla Anticline, southwest of San Ysidro. This 12-mile trail system, designed primarily for mountain biking, offers fast, flowing singletrack along exposed ridgelines with steep climbs, technical descents, and panoramic views of the high desert. Hikers are welcome on all trails, and one segment is open to equestrian use.  The trails wind through the Pueblo of Zia, State of New Mexico, and public land managed by the BLM. BLM has obtained rights-of-way from the Pueblo and the State to provide this biking experience – please respect property rights by staying on the trails.  The area’s striking white gypsum formations and rugged terrain also make it a popular destination for hiking, horseback riding, and paleontological exploration. Rare Early Jurassic fossils—including dinosaur bones and petrified trees from the Morrison Formation, dating back over 150 million years—are found in the surrounding region. Notably, the longest dinosaur ever discovered, Seismosaurus, was unearthed only a few miles west of the trail system in what is now the Ojito Wilderness, highlighting the area’s scientific importance.<h2>Hours and Seasons</h2>Open year‑round. High desert conditions prevail—hot summers and occasional storms. Early mornings or cooler seasons offer best riding and hiking conditions.  <h2>Features and Services</h2><ul><li>Recreational Activities: Mountain biking on beginner to advanced trails; hiking allowed on all trails; one segment designated for equestrian use.  </li><li>Access and Parking: Gravel lot at trailhead; high-clearance preferred, but accessible to most when dry.  </li><li>Cell Service: Limited and unreliable; plan accordingly.</li><li>Toilets: None on-site.</li><li>Drinking Water: None available; bring your own.</li><li>Pets: Allowed but must remain on a leash.</li><li>Camping: Primitive, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM lands adjacent to the trails. Please check fire restrictions in advance, follow guidance on posted signs, and respect private property. Public and private camping options are available in Bernalillo, NM along US-550.</li><li>Nearby Amenities: San Ysidro (6 miles) provides basic services; Albuquerque is the nearest urban center.  </li></ul><h2>Trail System Details</h2><ul><li>Main Loops: Two concentric loops (~12 miles total) include the scenic “Dragon’s Back” on inner west leg and outer east leg across narrow gypsum ridges.  </li><li>Elevation and Difficulty: Steep climbs and descents, about 1,000 ft total gain/loss; trails range from green (beginner) to black diamond (expert).  </li><li>Trail Markers & Map: Junction numbers mark intersections, with maps available at the trailhead.</li></ul><h2>Respect and Protect</h2>Travelers should practice responsible <a href="https://www.blm.gov/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow">outdoor ethics</a>, stay within legal access boundaries, and follow BLM regulations for rock collecting. Erosion-prone trail segments may close after wet weather — do not ride in muddy conditions. Equestrian access requires appropriate permissions across Pueblo land.

A mountain biker riding at White Ridge Bike Trails.

White Ridge Bike Trails

The San Ysidro Trials Area is a very unique destination where trials riders,
mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts come to enjoy beautiful scenery and
technical recreation activities. Stone badland features are widely spread
within the area and create distinctive topographies, such as the delicate
ecosystems of tinajas. Tinajas**** are naturally formed stone bowls that fill
with water during the monsoon season and from snow melt. These pools provide
an oasis for migratory birds, game species, and many other microorganisms.

The San Ysidro Trials Area is a very unique destination where trials riders, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts come to enjoy beautiful scenery and technical recreation activities. Stone badland features are widely spread within the area and create distinctive topographies, such as the delicate ecosystems of tinajas. Tinajas are naturally formed stone bowls that fill with water during the monsoon season and from snow melt. These pools provide an oasis for migratory birds, game species, and many other microorganisms.

San Ysidro Trials Area

A mountain peak dominates the view from the one-mile Perea Nature Trail loop
-- located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The
mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of
the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska. The Perea Nature Trail
offers a short, refreshing hike. Falling within a migratory bird pathway, this
trail offers great birdwatching opportunities. If you are looking for
solitude, try sitting on the park bench under the giant cottonwood along the
trail. Visitors to the Perea Nature Trail may look to the southwest over the
Rio Salado riverbed to view an outstanding geologic setting. Blanco Mesa,
known for its unusual white surface, is used as a creative backdrop for motion
pictures and photography. The high rock formations with purple hues seen in
the distance are part of the Nacimiento Mountain chain and are some of the
oldest rocks in the area.

A mountain peak dominates the view from the one-mile Perea Nature Trail loop -- located just outside the village of San Ysidro in northwest New Mexico. The mountain highlights the Jemez Mountain Range, which is the southern start of the Rocky Mountains that extend northward to Alaska. The Perea Nature Trail offers a short, refreshing hike. Falling within a migratory bird pathway, this trail offers great birdwatching opportunities. If you are looking for solitude, try sitting on the park bench under the giant cottonwood along the trail. Visitors to the Perea Nature Trail may look to the southwest over the Rio Salado riverbed to view an outstanding geologic setting. Blanco Mesa, known for its unusual white surface, is used as a creative backdrop for motion pictures and photography. The high rock formations with purple hues seen in the distance are part of the Nacimiento Mountain chain and are some of the oldest rocks in the area.

Perea Nature Trail

The Cabezon WSA is located in the northwestern part of the New Mexico and
consists of a large volcanic plug - a steep-sided symmetrical neck of volcanic
rock. At an elevation of 7,785 feet, this is the largest of a series of
volcanic plugs in this area and is one of the most well-known landmarks in
northwest New Mexico. This peak is a favorite among climbers. Basic mountain
climbing experience and proper gear, including a helmet, are needed, but most
will not choose to use a rope on the common route. A successful climb to the
summit will reward you with an expansive view of the Rio Puerco Valley.

The Cabezon WSA is located in the northwestern part of the New Mexico and consists of a large volcanic plug - a steep-sided symmetrical neck of volcanic rock. At an elevation of 7,785 feet, this is the largest of a series of volcanic plugs in this area and is one of the most well-known landmarks in northwest New Mexico. This peak is a favorite among climbers. Basic mountain climbing experience and proper gear, including a helmet, are needed, but most will not choose to use a rope on the common route. A successful climb to the summit will reward you with an expansive view of the Rio Puerco Valley.

Contact the field office for more information.

Cabezon Peak

Cabezon Wilderness Study Area

Guadalupe Ruin, the easternmost Chacoan Outlier, is a single-story masonry
pueblo situated on an isolated sandstone mesa rising nearly 200 feet above the
valley floor. The top of the mesa is isolated by sheer walls on all sides,
with access to the top restricted to a narrow trail. This mesatop location
provides an impressive view of dissected canyons, rugged mesas, and volcanic
necks along the Rio Puerco Valley. The ruin consists of at least 39
rectangular rooms and 7 semi-subterranean kivas, two of which are stabilized
and roofed for public access. Archeological investigations conducted in the
1970s suggest that the site was originally built as a Chacoan Outlier, but was
reoccupied in the late 13th century by immigrants from the Mesa Verde area,
who remodeled many of the rooms and built a new kiva in their own
architectural style.

Curiously, most Chaco Outliers are located north, west, and south of Chaco
Canyon, while Guadalupe stands out nearly alone in its eastern placement in
the Chacoan World and may have been positioned to take advantage and possibly
control of a migration and trade route between the San Juan Basin and the Rio
Grande, where seven of New Mexico's 19 modern Pueblos are located.

Chaco Background  
The sites of the Chacoans are among the best known archaeological sites in the
American Southwest. Between A.D. 700 and 1150, the Chaco Culture flourished,
with Chaco Canyon serving as the social and religious center of the Northern
Southwest. During the 900s and 1000s, a series of "Chacoan
Outliers,"structures similar to those in Chaco Canyon, was constructed in
western New Mexico, southwest Colorado, eastern Arizona and southeast Utah.
Many outliers were connected to Chaco Canyon or other outliers through a
network of prehistoric roads. The outliers and connecting roads offer a view
to an ancient landscape of astonishing scale and complexity. The Chacoan
region as defined by the distribution of outliers and Chaco Canyon itself was
recognized internationally though placement on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Guadalupe Ruin, the easternmost Chacoan Outlier, is a single-story masonry pueblo situated on an isolated sandstone mesa rising nearly 200 feet above the valley floor. The top of the mesa is isolated by sheer walls on all sides, with access to the top restricted to a narrow trail. This mesatop location provides an impressive view of dissected canyons, rugged mesas, and volcanic necks along the Rio Puerco Valley. The ruin consists of at least 39 rectangular rooms and 7 semi-subterranean kivas, two of which are stabilized and roofed for public access. Archeological investigations conducted in the 1970s suggest that the site was originally built as a Chacoan Outlier, but was reoccupied in the late 13th century by immigrants from the Mesa Verde area, who remodeled many of the rooms and built a new kiva in their own architectural style.Curiously, most Chaco Outliers are located north, west, and south of Chaco Canyon, while Guadalupe stands out nearly alone in its eastern placement in the Chacoan World and may have been positioned to take advantage and possibly control of a migration and trade route between the San Juan Basin and the Rio Grande, where seven of New Mexico's 19 modern Pueblos are located.Chaco Background  The sites of the Chacoans are among the best known archaeological sites in the American Southwest. Between A.D. 700 and 1150, the Chaco Culture flourished, with Chaco Canyon serving as the social and religious center of the Northern Southwest. During the 900s and 1000s, a series of "Chacoan Outliers,"structures similar to those in Chaco Canyon, was constructed in western New Mexico, southwest Colorado, eastern Arizona and southeast Utah. Many outliers were connected to Chaco Canyon or other outliers through a network of prehistoric roads. The outliers and connecting roads offer a view to an ancient landscape of astonishing scale and complexity. The Chacoan region as defined by the distribution of outliers and Chaco Canyon itself was recognized internationally though placement on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Remaining walls of Guadalupe Ruins with the ancient volcanic peaks in the background.

Guadalupe Ruin

The northern portion of this WSA is arid, while the southern portion consists
of a higher plateau dominated by piсon and ponderosa pines. The diversity of
vegetation and landforms provide scenic appeal. Large numbers of elk use the
area, as well as coyotes, mule deer, and Merriam's turkey.

The northern portion of this WSA is arid, while the southern portion consists of a higher plateau dominated by piсon and ponderosa pines. The diversity of vegetation and landforms provide scenic appeal. Large numbers of elk use the area, as well as coyotes, mule deer, and Merriam's turkey.

Chamisa Wilderness Study Area

The La Leсa WSA is characterized by deep arroyos, highly sculpted mesas,
canyons, and sandstone and shale outcrops. This area is easily traveled by
horseback. Nesting sites for golden eagles, prairie falcon, great horned owl,
red-tailed hawk, and raven are found on sandstone cliffs. Vegetation includes
grama grass, cactus and Knight's milevetch. The Continental Divide National
Scenic Trail passes through this WSA.

The La Leсa WSA is characterized by deep arroyos, highly sculpted mesas, canyons, and sandstone and shale outcrops. This area is easily traveled by horseback. Nesting sites for golden eagles, prairie falcon, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, and raven are found on sandstone cliffs. Vegetation includes grama grass, cactus and Knight's milevetch. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through this WSA.

La Lena Wilderness Study Area

The Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area (SMA) consists primarily of two
Wilderness Study Areas -- the Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area (33,300
acres) and the Chamisa Wilderness Study Area (13,700 acres). For more
information on Wilderness Study Areas, please visit the Ignacio Chavez WSA
webpage.

Steep canyons and high rugged cliffs provide rewarding challenges for the
backcountry hiker here. Much of the Special Management Area lies within the
Ignacio Chavez Land Grant, awarded to settlers in 1768 by the Spanish
government for establishing communities. Because these communities were never
developed, the U.S. Government later acquired the land grant.

The Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area (SMA) consists primarily of two Wilderness Study Areas -- the Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area (33,300 acres) and the Chamisa Wilderness Study Area (13,700 acres). For more information on Wilderness Study Areas, please visit the Ignacio Chavez WSA webpage.Steep canyons and high rugged cliffs provide rewarding challenges for the backcountry hiker here. Much of the Special Management Area lies within the Ignacio Chavez Land Grant, awarded to settlers in 1768 by the Spanish government for establishing communities. Because these communities were never developed, the U.S. Government later acquired the land grant.

Man standing on a cliff overlooking the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area

Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area

The Empedrado WSA is characterized by deep arroyos, highly sculpted mesas,
canyons, and sandstone and shale outcrops. This area is easily traveled by
horseback. Nesting sites for golden eagles, prairie falcon, great horned owl,
red-tailed hawk, and raven are found on sandstone cliffs. Vegetation includes
grama grass, cactus and Knight’s milevetch.  
  
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through this WSA.

The Empedrado WSA is characterized by deep arroyos, highly sculpted mesas, canyons, and sandstone and shale outcrops. This area is easily traveled by horseback. Nesting sites for golden eagles, prairie falcon, great horned owl, red-tailed hawk, and raven are found on sandstone cliffs. Vegetation includes grama grass, cactus and Knight’s milevetch.  The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through this WSA.

Ojito Wilderness Area

Things to Do

Features and Services

Respect and Protect

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks