The San Antonio WSA is located in northern New Mexico. A flat plain at about
8,400 feet in elevation contains a gorge about 100 feet deep carved by the Rio
San Antonio. Because of upstream diversions, the lower stretches of the river
go dry in the summer. The plain is grass and shrub covered, while the gorge
includes stretches with Douglas fir and spruce.

Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act
which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated.
To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by
the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect

The San Antonio WSA is located in northern New Mexico. A flat plain at about 8,400 feet in elevation contains a gorge about 100 feet deep carved by the Rio San Antonio. Because of upstream diversions, the lower stretches of the river go dry in the summer. The plain is grass and shrub covered, while the gorge includes stretches with Douglas fir and spruce. Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: <a href="https://wilderness.net/visit-wilderness/find-a-wilderness.php" rel="nofollow">Wilderness Connect</a>

Bird's eye view of the park

San Antonio Wilderness Study Area

The San Luis Hills WSA is characterized by a series of hills, which rise
abruptly above the broad San Luis Valley. Most of the hills are rounded,
although some cliffs occur in the northern portion of the WSA. John James
Gulch and numerous smaller drainages provide topographic screening and create
many opportunities for solitude.

  
Distant views of Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain peaks, across the
broad and sparsely-populated San Luis Valley, create a wonderful image of
vastness. Vegetation, which is sparse due to the arid climate, consists mainly
of low-growing desert shrubs and grasses, pinyon and juniper. Fauna is also
sparse due to lack of water, but includes mule deer, antelope, various
raptors, and various songbirds.

  
Activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography. For
more information, please contact the San Luis Valley Field Office.

The San Luis Hills WSA is characterized by a series of hills, which rise abruptly above the broad San Luis Valley. Most of the hills are rounded, although some cliffs occur in the northern portion of the WSA. John James Gulch and numerous smaller drainages provide topographic screening and create many opportunities for solitude. 

 Distant views of Sangre de Cristo and San Juan mountain peaks, across the broad and sparsely-populated San Luis Valley, create a wonderful image of vastness. Vegetation, which is sparse due to the arid climate, consists mainly of low-growing desert shrubs and grasses, pinyon and juniper. Fauna is also sparse due to lack of water, but includes mule deer, antelope, various raptors, and various songbirds.

 Activities include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and photography. For more information, please contact the San Luis Valley Field Office.

San Luis Hills WSA

Rio Grande Recreation Area features a meandering river flowing south to the
Colorado-New Mexico border. Excellent fishing opportunities exist in this
scenic canyon, and the shallow gradient of the Rio Grande is ideal for those
who prefer flatwater rafting. Though a roadside boat launch is available,
visitors should be aware that a canyon hike is required to avoid challenging
whitewater rapids where the river enters New Mexico.

  
Those looking for a great flatwater rafting experience will enjoy Rio Grande
Recreation/Natural Area. Visitors can enjoy more challenging rapids near the
Colorado-New Mexico border, or these can be bypassed by hiking through the
canyon. For more information, please contact the San Luis Valley Field Office.

Rio Grande Recreation Area features a meandering river flowing south to the Colorado-New Mexico border. Excellent fishing opportunities exist in this scenic canyon, and the shallow gradient of the Rio Grande is ideal for those who prefer flatwater rafting. Though a roadside boat launch is available, visitors should be aware that a canyon hike is required to avoid challenging whitewater rapids where the river enters New Mexico.

 Those looking for a great flatwater rafting experience will enjoy Rio Grande Recreation/Natural Area. Visitors can enjoy more challenging rapids near the Colorado-New Mexico border, or these can be bypassed by hiking through the canyon. For more information, please contact the San Luis Valley Field Office.

San Antonio Wilderness Study Area

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

San Luis Hills WSA

Rio Grande River SRMA