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Where: Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Description: The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness spans an impressive 45,000 acres in San Juan County, New Mexico. This stunning wilderness is renowned for its remarkable geological features, showcasing steeply eroded badlands that create breathtaking formations some resembling whimsical mushrooms, others shaped like massive cracked eggs, and a few evoking the image of alien thrones. Its extraordinary landscapes draw in hikers and photographers from far and wide, eager to capture the unique beauty of this untouched area. Ah - Shi - Sle - Pah wildness is next to Bisti Badland wildness. It is located between the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness and Chaco Culture National Historical Park with 7,000 acres of wildness land. This is a classic badland terrain with multicolored earth, rugged clay hills, sandstone caprocks, and minimal vegetation. The formations: including petrified wood and dinosaur fossils resemble those in the nearby Bisti Badlands and De - Na - Zin Wilderness As clubs have yet to explore this remarkable terrain, our upcoming hike promises to be an exciting adventure of discovery. • Friday: Arrival & Orientation Drive to the Bisti trailhead: From Farmington, take NM-371 about 36 mi south to County Road 7297, then follow as directed to the Bisti Trailhead. Settle in: Arrive midday or early afternoon. Park, stretch your legs, and scan the area there is an info kiosk and a vault toilet nearby. Short hike: Explore nearby hoodoos and unique features like the Alien Egg Hatchery within 1 - 2 miles of the trailhead. Golden hour photography: Sunset brings beautiful light across the formations. Evening plan: Return to Farmington for hotel or camp nearby (no facilities or water at trailhead). Bring all of your drinking water. • Saturday: Full Bisti Loop Adventure Early start heading out around sunrise for cooler temperatures and optimal light. Full 5-7 mile Bisti Badlands Loop trail: Rated Easy-Moderate, expect ~1h -3h of hiking. Off-trail navigation needed download offline maps or use GPS/Waypoints. Route highlights: Hoodoo City, Egg Hatchery, spires, natural arches, and photogenic channels. Bring essentials: Water, sun protection, snacks, GPS device or mapping app. Phones do not reliably work out there. Navigation advice: Stay with group, Stay in wash channels or follow prominent formations to avoid getting lost. • Saturday Afternoon - Optional: if we have enough time left De-Na-Zin Trailhead, located via CR 7500 from US-550. It is about a 13 mile drive from the Bisti turnoff. 2.8-mile out-and-back hike through dry riverbeds, petrified logs, mushroom hoodoos, and striking badland formations. Easy with minimal elevation gain. • Sunday: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness From US-550, head onto NM-57 (about 7.5 miles northwest of Nageezi), then drive ~13.5 miles southwest along the boundary of the wilderness look for the BLM sign and a dirt parking area. Longer Loop (7.5 mi): Combine multiple formations (e.g., Mushroom Hoodoos, Alien Throne, etc.) into a 7.5-mile route. • May adjust schedule due to weather or groups eagerness. • Highlight Features to Visit: Chocolate Mushroom Hoodoos, Alien Throne, Stone Wings, Hoodoo Forest, Balanced Rock, Petrified Wood, and fossil-locality areas such as Fossil Beds. • Monday - Return to Phoenix Options for those who have the time: Chaco Culture National Historical Park, 1.5 hours south of Farmington on US 550 In case of rain that we could not go to Bistibadland (Clay Raod) we may hike Canyon De Chelly or Durango Colorado as our options. So please book your hotel with cancellation options. Canyon De Chelly, 2 hours southwest of Farmington. Durango about 1 hour 20 minutes driving Driving directions: Take I-40 east toward Albuquerque. Before Albuquerque take NM 371 north to Bisti Badlands. Your hotel or camp site should be in the area. Farmington is the closest city with hotels. From Farmington, take NM-371 about 36 mi south to County Road 7297, then follow as directed to the Bisti Trailhead. High clearance is recommended, but cars have made it. Carpooling is encouraged. weather: Farmington Cost: TBD Share campground cost if camping. Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member. If carpooling, you will be expected to share the cost of gas. Leader: Please confirm by emailing the leader Please include hotel or camping. |
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