Bisti Badlands Wilderness Area
Just returned from a little backpacking trip to the Bisti Badlands in New Mexico. Perfectly sunny and warm weather was exactly what I was looking for. I have visited this area a few times and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine.
That area looks beautiful! I looked it up on Google Maps and it looks like it’s mostly empty wilderness. Is the best thing to do just to backpack in or are there established camping areas, if any? I’ve got a road trip coming up next month and I was actually already thinking about driving through that area at some point. I’d love any information about it. Thanks!
Comment by Mike — March 6, 2010 @ 10:21 am
Thanks for the post Mike! The Bisti area is definitely desolate with no camping areas and just a rough parking lot at the entrance. I really enjoy backpacking in a few miles and setting up a base camp among the many hoodoos to explore the area. It only takes 20-30 minutes to hike to the first interesting rock formations from the parking area so backpacking is not totally necessary. I noticed a few little spurs off of the dirt road before the trailhead that looked like you could car camp there without a problem. The Bisti Badlands are very fun to photograph and I highly recommend a trip there. Just remember to keep track of your path because its very easy to get turned around and loose your direction. Another thing to watch before you head out is how much precipitation the area has received recently. If it has rained or snowed a bunch recently it makes hiking impossible as the ground turns into thick mud. Hope this helps!
Comment by admin — March 6, 2010 @ 10:46 am
Ryan - Your pictures continue to amaze us–superb! Somedays, I wish I was doing what you’re doing. Carrie joined me in Prague, Czech Republic for the week since I had business there. She’s enroute home to the U.S.A. and I’m heading back to Afghanistan. I decided to look up your latest while sitting in the Dubai airport. You may want to take your camera to Prague someday. It’s probably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Never hurts to mix amazing architecture with mother nature from time to time.
Take care…and keep the pictures coming. Michael
PS - the website above shares some of the good things we’re trying to accomplish in Afghanistan.
Comment by Michael & Carrie — March 6, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
Thanks for the post Uncle Michael!! I definitely need to get across the pond and explore some of the beautiful cities over there. I would love to go to Prague and might have to move it up the list. I’m going to send you an email directly in a few minutes.
Take Care!
Comment by admin — March 9, 2010 @ 10:06 am