The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, also known as the Bisti Badlands, is an otherworldly expanse that’s one of the greatest natural wonders in the US. With rock formations unlike anything you’ve ever seen, you can spend your whole day exploring the wilderness area, taking pictures, and admiring this unique landscape. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Navajo Nation, it is a major stop on the Trails of the Ancient Byway, a trail that runs through geological and archeological sites.

Over time, these rocks were shaped by the elements. The rock is a combination of sandstone, shale, and mudstone, which allows weather to re-shape these structures over centuries.
Albert Danilo Cubillos/Google Local
Named by the Navajo, Bisti means "a large area of shale hills," and De-Na-Zin means "cranes."
Kirill Trubitsyn/Google Local
This wilderness is free and open to the public year round. The area is closed to bikes and motorized vehicles which gives you the perfect excuse to wander through these towering rock formations.
Hisham Andalusi/Google Local

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Remember that there are no water sources in the Bisti Wilderness Area, so be sure to bring plenty of water for your day.
Sarah Leroux/Google Local
The wilderness area is located in the Northwest corner of the state. To get to the Wilderness Area, take NM 371 from Farmington.
Karin Ward/Google Local
As you explore the area, try to picture the area as it once was: covered by waters of ancient seas. After the water receded, the last ice age formed many of the rock structures you see standing today.
Sarah Leroux/Google Local

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area is truly special and unique. An entire day spent exploring the area still won’t be enough, and you will wish that you had even more time to wander among this alien landscape. Whether you venture out alone or with friends, everybody involved will enjoy this wonderful trip, and you will leave with some incredible photographs of your adventure.

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Bisti Badlands, New Mexico 87499, USA