12 Reasons to Visit the Otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico

Bizarre rock formations that tell a prehistoric story.

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.

It’s a sprawling 45,000-acre stretch of New Mexico’s badlands, south of Farmington, with a landscape so surreal, it seems to belong to another world.

It was once home to dinosaurs, towering trees, and ancient mammals, but now draws adventurers, photographers, and stargazers seeking tranquility.

Here’s why this spot should be on your bucket list if you’re an avid adventurer.

The Wilderness is Perfect for Escaping the World

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in 2019, the area expanded by around 2,250 acres, making its vastness even more impressive.

If you’re planning to explore, why not level up your skills? Join a Wilderness Skills Workshop to prepare for the isolation and beauty of the landscape.

The Alien Egg Hatchery is a Must-See

Ever seen boulders that look like alien eggs? Yeah, the Bisti Badlands have them.

The “alien eggs” are concretions—round rocks formed by mineral deposits around a core, often a fossil. These things come in all sizes, some pretty massive, shaped by erosion over millions of years.

Join a guided geological tour, and you’ll get the full rundown on the minerals and processes that turned these rocks into the strange eggs you’ll see today.

Hoodoo City is Straight-Up Weird

Head into the Bisti Rock Garden and check out Hoodoo City.

Every twist and turn feels like a little surprise like someone put a miniature world together in the middle of nowhere. The hoodoos here are made of sedimentary rock, some are tiny, barely a foot tall, while others reach up into the sky.

Get incredible shots of these rock formations under the stars. There’s even an expert who’ll show you the best astrophotography tricks to capture the night in all its glory.

Stone Wings is a Photographer’s Dream

Stone Wings (or Bisti Wings) is probably the most photographed spot in the De-Na-Zin Wilderness. The shapes, the angles—pure magic for a camera.

You’ll find them about 1.1 miles from the northwest parking area. Try the drone photography workshop here.

Capture the first light hitting the rocks, creating an unforgettable scene.

Capped Rocks are Nature’s Art Show

The Capped Rocks have these tall, skinny rock spires, topped with red sandstone, protecting the softer rock beneath it.

The contrast between the red cap and the softer rock creates a striking visual effect (imagine your camera having a field day).

Want to get more involved? Most people volunteer to help create 3D scans of the Capped Rocks. Your work will contribute to scientific research and preservation efforts.

You’re Walking Through a Prehistoric Swamp

A swamp from an inland sea?

70 million years ago, this place was buzzing with dinosaurs, reptiles, and primitive mammals. Fossilized plants have been found scattered across the wilderness.

It’s like stepping into a time machine. It’s a fun glimpse into what this land looked like back in the Late Cretaceous period.

Stargazing Here is Unreal

If you’re into stars, you’ll love the Bisti Badlands. No light pollution.

Just an open sky for miles, making it a perfect spot for astrophotography. On clear nights, you can even catch the Milky Way stretching across the sky.

Want to get in on the action? Sign up for a multi-day astronomy camp or join a telescope viewing event for a closer look at the wonders above.

This Place Has Real Cultural Depth

Located along the Trails of the Ancients Byway, the area is steeped in centuries of Navajo history and cultural significance.

The name “Bisti” comes from the Navajo word “Bistahí,” which means “among the adobe formations,” a perfect description of this landscape.

You’ll find petroglyphs of cranes south of the Wilderness, tying this land back to centuries of stories and history.

Trails of the Ancients Byway

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness sits right on the Trails of the Ancients Byway (one of New Mexico’s Scenic Byways), so you’re cruising through history.

Pro tip: Download the updated audio guide app for an immersive experience. And don’t worry about your electric vehicle—new charging stations have been installed recently.

Get a Local Perspective with a Navajo Guide

Book a hike with Navajo Tours USA. You’ll get the inside scoop on the history of these formations and what they mean to the Navajo people.

These tours often bring traditional Navajo stories and beliefs to life. You can also take part in interactive cultural demonstrations and learn some basic Navajo phrases.

Farmington’s Your Home Base

Farmington is the perfect base for outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re into OHVing, fishing, or kayaking, do it all. There’s no shortage of places to stay either—hotels, campgrounds, you name it.

Need gear? New rental shops have popped up to make sure you’re all set. For food lovers, you can participate in guided tours showcasing local New Mexican cuisine.

Don’t Skip the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness

Just a short drive from Bisti, this place also sings peace and solitude. The unique rock formations here have been shaped over millions of years by erosion.

But here’s the thing—getting around Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah takes some care. There are no marked trails, so exploring requires a bit of navigation.