Lybrook Fossil Area

Roaming the Lybrook Badlands

I had an opportunity to explore the Lybrook Fossil Area recently with Navajo Tours. They were on a scouting expedition to put together adventures for astro-photographers, one of many types of tours they offer in northwestern New Mexico. Generally I wouldn’t leap at the opportunity to go to the badlands in August. However, after months stuck at home due to covid, anyplace beyond my backyard is appealing. Under normal circumstances, late September through early May is far more pleasant. Whereas some people may enjoy the sensation of sizzling under a magnifying glass, I don’t. Regardless of season, take lots of water and sunscreen.

Lybrook is between Counselor and Nageezi, spanning both sides of Highway 550 at various points in the middle. There’s a lot of drilling in the area, with dirt roads crisscrossing the landscape. As a Native American owned tour company, with access to BLM land, the guides at Navajo Tours know the oil and gas back roads well, including the roads that don’t appear on most maps.

Kialo Winters and I met late in the afternoon, taking advantage of waning temperatures and softer, afternoon light. I got on the road early in the day to allow time for snapping photos on the way. I was planning to fly the drone, but I found out they are not allowed in the fossil areas, the wilderness areas, or the Bisti. Whereas I heeded the restrictions, I can’t deny that it was incredibly tempting to peek at the aerial view.

Lybrook Fossil Area

You may also like