| Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | |
| Status: | Identified | Area: | 38381 acres (15900 hectares) |
| County: | San Juan | Elevation: | 6300 feet (1900 meters) |
| Town: | Farmington | Location: | 36°17’N, 108°11’W |
| Ownership | Bureau of Land Management |
| Habitats | Grassland, piñon-juniper, badlands |
| Land-use | Nature conservation and research |
| Threats | Grazing |
| Site Criteria | State conservation species (D1) |
| Site Description | The Bisti/De-na-zin Wilderness Area (elevation 6300 feet)
is an amazingly scenic and colorful expanse of undulating mounds and unusual eroded rocks
covering 38381 acres, hidden away in the high desert that covers the northwest corner of
New Mexico. There are no signposts showing the way to the area from any nearby towns,
but the usual approach route is along NM 371 from Farmington. This heads due south through
open prairie land at the east edge of the Navajo Indian Reservation. After 36 miles, a
gravel track goes east, opposite an historical marker recording the history of this area
and of the nearby Bisti trading post, now derelict. Five miles along the entrance track,
the grassy plain is replaced quite abruptly by a multi-colored eroded landscape of small
clayish hills, shallow ravines, and strange rock formations. The track passes a large area
suitable for parking. Several similar un-signposted tracks cross the sandy hills at the
south edge of the formations, around a seasonal drainage known as the De-na-zin Wash.
A ten mile drive along one such bumpy track leads to the much larger De-na-zin wilderness -
equally colorful and even more remote, although partially covered with vegetation.
The area is part of the Great Basin grassland community. Broad sage and grass plains roll across much of the complex. The area contains petrified trees and colorful badlands with spires, towers, and mushroom shaped hoodoos. The badlands were formed in a shallow inland sea and contain a diversity of fossils. Humans have occupied the area almost continuously since 10000 BC. The area contains numerous Chacoan sites and part of the prehistoric Great North Road, used to connect major Chacoan Anasazi sites in the San Juan Basin. The area is managed by BLM, although some state and tribal lands are also in the area. There is considerable petrified wood in the area. |
| Birds | The wildlife of Bisti/De-na-zin varies with the changes in terrain and vegetation. Few species inhabit the badlands. In contrast, the grasslands and piñon-juniper communities are home to birds such as jays, ravens, quail, and doves. Ferruginous hawks, prairie falcons, and golden eagles may also be observed soaring overhead. |
| Conservation Issues | Maintain the wilderness designation. Prevent grazing. |
| Conservation Plan | Bisti Wilderness Management Plan (1986) |
| Monitor(s) | None assigned. |
| Nominator | Christopher Rustay, 1824 Stanford Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106 |
| Sources | Hawks Aloft Surveys (HA) |
| Links |
Bisti Wilderness Area Hawks Aloft New Mexico Wilderness Alliance |
| Directions | Take NM-371 south from Farmington for 36 miles to a gravel track heading east (opposite a historical marker). Follow the gravel track for 5 miles. |
| Species | Year | Status | Population | Sources | Criteria |
| Ferruginous Hawk | 98-00 | Breeding | None given | HA | D1 |
| Golden Eagle | 98-00 | Breeding | None given | HA | |
| Prairie Falcon | 98-00 | Breeding | None given | HA | D1 |
