Bisti Badlands Bisti Trail
Riding here is what I’d imagine it would be like on the moon. Lots of gray landscape with what almost resembles dunes.
Found in 1 campground.
Trail features
Horse camping for Bisti Badlands Bisti Trail
This is what I would consider pretty easy riding. Lots of flat ground with some small rolling ups and downs. This route took us near the "Hoodoos" and over to the “Elegant Hoodoo.” These aren’t like the ones in Bryce, but still fun. You’ll continue on to the “Alien Woman,” then to the “Valley of Bones.” From there, you’ll pass the “Bisti Rock Garden” and head on to the “Petrified Wood.” The last area we passed was the “Cracked Eggs”—my favorite. You will most likely encounter some windy conditions in the open areas. All of the mentioned spots can be seen on the map in Gaia. We rode this clockwise.
States where this trail appears
Campgrounds mentioning Bisti Badlands Bisti Trail
Bisti Badlands
Farmington, NMView detailsHide detailsAmenities AvailableWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesTurnoutTurnoutStoreStoreDump StationDump StationBring * Set up your own * AllowedWaterWaterPensPensHighlinesHighlinesElectric FencingElectric FencingHookupsWaterWaterElectricElectricSewerSewer00
Bisti Badlands
The Bisti Badlands (Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness) is a completely unique riding experience in northwestern New Mexico, about 40 miles south of Farmington. This isn’t a traditional campground—it’s a remote, undeveloped wilderness known for its surreal, moon-like landscape filled with hoodoos, petrified wood, and dramatic desert formations.
This is not a place you go for campground amenities. It’s a place you go for scenery and the experience. If you’re looking for something truly different, this area is well worth the effort.
Access is via State Highway 371 followed by a gravel road leading into the wilderness area. The location is remote, and navigation is important.
The pin on the map reflects the exact spot where we set up camp, which can be helpful since there are no designated campground areas or marked equestrian sites.
There are no designated equestrian facilities, so you’ll need to bring your own horse containment setup.
The ground is extremely hard, making it difficult or impossible to drive in standard hot wire posts. Plan accordingly with a setup that works in hard desert conditions.
This is more of a basecamp-and-explore type location rather than a traditional ride-out-from-camp setup with maintained trails.
There are no designated campsites, no water, and no amenities. You must be fully self-sufficient.
This is a remote wilderness area, so proper planning is essential, including navigation, water, and horse containment.
Come prepared for a completely undeveloped experience—this is about the landscape, not campground comforts.