THESE DAZZLING ROCK FORMATIONS STAND WHERE DINOSAURS ONCE ROAMED
Exploring the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area
Based on my last few trips to Bisti, you may see a few people hiking at the main area, but it isn’t unusual to have the place all to yourself. There are two main washes in the Bisti. Both run east to west, with west being downstream. The northern wash is named Hunter Wash, and the southern is named Alamo or Gateway Wash. The main parking area provides access to Alamo wash, which typically attracts more people. The northern wash gets far fewer visitors.
Elevation averages around 6,300 feet, and the most striking scenery is in the southern two-thirds of the wilderness area. You can camp at either the parking area or within the Bisti. The Wilderness boundaries adjoin parcels of private land. Please respect private property. Carry a map, a compass, and plenty of water. Backpacking and horse packing are unrestricted, but campfires are forbidden.
Rainfall isn’t common, with only 8 inches on average per year, most of which falls in July and August. However, when a downpour does occur, the soil, typically baked like an adobe brick, softens into a slippery, squishy, slimy mess, which is a challenge to navigate on foot or in a vehicle. Keep an eye on ominous clouds.
Based on my last few trips to Bisti, you may see a few people hiking at the main area, but it isn’t unusual to have the place all to yourself. There are two main washes in the Bisti. Both run east to west, with west being downstream. The northern wash is named Hunter Wash, and the southern is named Alamo or Gateway Wash. The main parking area provides access to Alamo wash, which typically attracts more people. The northern wash gets far fewer visitors.
Elevation averages around 6,300 feet, and the most striking scenery is in the southern two-thirds of the wilderness area. You can camp at either the parking area or within the Bisti. The Wilderness boundaries adjoin parcels of private land. Please respect private property. Carry a map, a compass, and plenty of water. Backpacking and horse packing are unrestricted, but campfires are forbidden.
Rainfall isn’t common, with only 8 inches on average per year, most of which falls in July and August. However, when a downpour does occur, the soil, typically baked like an adobe brick, softens into a slippery, squishy, slimy mess, which is a challenge to navigate on foot or in a vehicle. Keep an eye on ominous clouds.
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