Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NM https://www.blm.gov/visit/kktr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasha-Katuwe_Tent_Rocks_National_Monument Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is located 40 miles southwest of Santa Fe near Cochiti, New Mexico. Kasha-Katuwe means "white cliffs" in the Pueblo language Keresan.

Fee Amounts (U.S. Currency and U.S. Bank Checks only) The monument is a Standard Amenity Fee Site. All your fees are returned to the site for monitoring, maintenance, and improvements. Please have exact change. • Group sizes up to 8 individuals–$5. • Group sizes 9 to 25 individuals–$25. • Group sizes over 25 individuals–$100. Passes Sold and Issued at Entrance • Lifetime Senior Pass–$80. • Annual Senior Pass—$20. • Annual Pass–$80. • Military Annual Pass–Free • Access Pass–Free • Every Kid in the Park Pass (EKIP)–Free Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument From the Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Overlook, you can see spectacular vistas of Camada and Peralta Canyons, the Dome Wilderness, and Jemez Mountains. A beautiful view of the tent formations from atop the Canyon Trail. Accredited Public/Private Schools/Colleges/Universities– No fee–Day-use permit required–Call two weeks in advance for a permit and scheduling. Special Recreation Permits (SRPs)–Organized groups such as weddings and reunions, and commercial operations such as tours, filming, or professional photography must apply and obtain a SRP prior to conducting business. Visitor Services Lost and Found Check for lost and found items at the monument fee booth 505/331-6259 or the BLM Office. Amenities The monument has ADA compliant rest rooms, picnic facilities and kiosks, however, there is no drinking water. Nearby Convenience Stores Pueblo de Cochiti Visitor Center–Open 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Located at the corner of Highway 22 and Route 85 for refreshments. Golf Course, Gas and Camping Facilities at Cochiti Lake An ATM machine, refreshments and gas, can be obtained at the convenience store located near the town of Cochiti Lake. Camping, boating facilities and RV hookups are accessible at the Cochiti Lake Recreation Area. Background photo by Floyd Pecos Trail Guide Hikers enjoy all seasons at the monument. he Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages KashaKatuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (KKTR)to protect its geologic, scenic and cultural values. The agency works in close coordination and cooperation with the Pueblo de Cochiti to provide access, facility development and maintenance, resource protection, research opportunities, public education and enjoyment. The Pueblo de Cochiti has always considered this area a significant place. “KashaKatuwe” means “white cliffs” in the traditional Keresan language of the pueblo. Under the BLM’s administration, these lands were designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and contain a National Recreational Trail. On January 17, 2001, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks was designated a national monument. The boulder “cap” protects the fragile tent-shaped formation beneath it. Of Time and the Rocks Located on the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico, the monument is a remarkable outdoor laboratory, offering an opportunity to observe, study, and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes. The elevation of the monument ranges from 5,570 feet to 6,760 feet above sea level. The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago and left pumice, ash and tuff deposits over 1,000 feet thick. Tremendous explosions from the Jemez volcanic field spewed pyroclasts (rock fragments), while searing hot gases blasted down slopes in an incandescent avalanche called a “pyroclastic flow.” In close inspections of the arroyos, visitors will discover small, rounded, translucent obsidian (volcanic glass) fragments created by rapid cooling. Please leave these fragments for others to enjoy. Precariously perched on many of the tapering hoodoos are boulder caps that protect the softer pumice and tuff below. Some tents have lost their hard, resistant caprocks and are disintegrating. While fairly uniform in shape, the tent rock formations vary in height from a few feet to 90 feet. As the result of uniform layering of volcanic material, bands of grey are interspersed with beige and pink-colored rock along the cliff face. Over time, wind and water cut into these deposits creating canyons and arroyos, scooping holes in the rock, and contouring the ends of small, inward ravines into smooth semicircles. The monument serves as an outdoor laboratory for students of all ages. Historical and Cultural Perspective The complex landscape and spectacular geologic scenery of the monument has been a focal point for visitors for centuries. Surveys have recorded many archaeological sites reflecting human occupation spanning 4,000 years. During the 14th and 15th centuries, several large ancestral pueblos were established and their descendants, the Pueblo de Cochiti, still inhabit the surrounding area. In 1540, the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado made mention of the Pueblo de Cochiti in their diaries. Throughout the 17th century, settlers would follow Juan de Oñate’s route along the Rio Grande Valley, bringing trade, farming and domestic animals,

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument T he scenic Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument (Monument) was designated in 2001 for protection of its unique geologic landscapes, cultural, and biological features of interest. The 4,645acre Monument is known for its light-colored, cone-shaped tent rock formations that are the result of explosive volcanic eruptions that occurred between 6 and 7 million years ago. A National Recreation Trail offers two options for foot travel only. The Cave Loop Trail is 1.2 miles long and is rated as easy to moderate. The Slot Canyon Trail includes a 1.5-mile trek up a narrow canyon then, for the more adventurous, a steep 630foot climb to the mesa top where breathtaking views await! The Monument is managed in cooperation with the Pueblo de Cochiti. For the health and safety of all visitors, the Monument is closed to dogs. Only identifiable service animals are allowed. Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Overlook The Veterans’ Overlook is 3.5 miles from the Monument’s main parking area. A 1-mile loop ADA accessible trail offers stunning views of Peralta Canyon and Jemez Mountain peaks. Road and access are seasonal. High clearance vehicles are recommended but not necessary. Getting There GPS coordinates: 35º36’52.0”N106º21’33.2”W The Monument is located 35 miles south of Santa Fe and 52 miles north of Albuquerque. From Santa Fe, take I-25 south to Exit 264 onto State Route (SR) 16. Turn right off SR 16 on SR 22 and follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and the Monument. From Albuquerque, take I-25 north to Exit 259 onto SR 22. Follow the signs to Cochiti Pueblo and the Monument. From the Fee Station, it is about 4 miles to the Monument’s ADA accessible parking/picnic area and trailhead. Amenities There are picnic tables, group and single shelters plus restrooms available; however, there is no drinking water. Visitation Hours–Day Use Only 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance gate closes to visitors at 4 p.m. Closure Dates January 1 January 6 Friday before Easter Easter Sunday Monday after Easter May 3 July 13-14 July 25 November 1 Thanksgiving Day December 25 Fees Fee Amounts for Groups: • Group sizes up to 8 individuals–$5. • Group sizes 9 to 25 individuals–$25. • Group sizes over 25 individuals–$100. Passes Sold and Issued at Entrance: • Lifetime Senior Pass–$80. • Annual Senior Pass—$20. • Annual Pass–$80. • Military Annual Pass–Free • Access Pass–Free • Every Kid in the Park Pass (EKIP)–Free Schools: • Day-use permit is required from BLM. Bureau of Land Management Albuquerque District, Rio Puerco Field Office 100 Sun Ave., N.E., Pan American Bldg., Suite 330 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 505/761-8700 www.blm.gov/new-mexico or the Monument 505/331-6259 BLM/NM/GI-09-06-8000 Organized Groups, Commercial Tours and Filming: • Specials-use permit is required from BLM. Please contact the Rio Puerco Field Office at 505/761-8700. 

CL-6. Sand Sage—Where are the trees? Possibly the inhabitants of the cave used the trees around the cave for fire wood. With the trees gone, sand sage took over. As a shrub, sand sage is about 4’ tall and has soft, light evergreen, fine textured leaves with a pleasant dusty aroma. Sand Sage branches can be cut, bundled into smudge sticks, and burned to create a pleasant smell. Sand Sage is an indictor of sandy soil. Deer love to browse it. CL-7. Butterfly location (seasonal)—Which type of butterfly is attracted to what plants? The wildflowers along the cave trail are perfect places to find butterflies like the white hairstreak, swallowtail, and monarchs. Look for butterflies on the desert marigolds, Indian paintbrush, senecio, and asters. Native grasses like Indian rice grass, blue grama, and sideoats grama are also places to watch. Butterflies are looking for nectar sources and places to lay eggs. Plants where butterflies lay eggs are ones that can be eaten by the caterpillar larva which come from the eggs. CL-8. Cave—Why is there a black stain on the ceiling? Notice the smoke stains on the ceiling of the cave. This shows that the cave was used by prehistoric peoples. They may have burned juniper wood, pinon, or manzanita. CL-9. Cave—Why is it so high off the ground? Early Native Americans preferred caves that were above ground level because they stayed dry during storms, were more difficult for animals to enter, and provided a view of the surrounding territory in case of enemy attack. Also, there has been erosion at the base of the cave so it is further from the ground than it once was. BLM/NM/GI-09-05-8000 Cave opening—How could native peoples use such a small opening? Early Native American adults were shorter in height than today so the small size of the cave opening and the lower ceiling were not a problem for them. CL-10. Climate zone and vegetation differences—What are the climate and vegetation differences between the canyon area and the cave loop? The slot canyon trail is generally protected from the hot midday sun and to some extent from wind. It has shade and runoff water. The cave trail includes western and southern exposures with less shade and water and more exposure to the wind. While most of the plants in the cave loop can also be found in the canyon area, many plants in the canyon area need more water than is available in the cave loop. CL-11. Cholla on your left and prickly pear on your right— What are cholla and prickly pear and how can they be used? Cholla is the taller “stick-man” looking cactus with neon pink blooms followed by yellow fruit. Prickly pear, under the juniper, is the smaller ground-level cactus with lots of pads and purple fruit known as tunas. Prickly pear cactus blooms yellow in the spring. Tunas appear after the blooms fade and can be used to make a delicious jelly. CL-12. Bird in Ponderosa snag— what is a snag and why are they useful? The dead tree you see is called a snag. Dead trees perform an important function in nature. They are used by birds to scout the area for enemies, to nest in cavities or holes they made or other birds made, and by insects for shelter and food. The insects then attract the birds since insects are a source of food for birds. Woodpeckers, ravens, hawks, and eagles love snags. CL-13. The cave loop contains one seed juniper, pinon, chamisa, sand sage, apache plume, and three-leaf sumac— species adapted to drier conditions. It also has many cholla or “stick-man” cactus, prickley pear, and some barrel cactus. Student Trail Guide Chola Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Manzanita One seed juniper Sand sage Bureau of Land Management Albuquerque District Rio Puerco Field Office 100 Sun Ave., N.E. Pan American Bldg., Suite 330 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 505/761-8700 or the Monument 505/331-6259 www.blm.gov/new-mexico TO HELP CONSERVE COSTS AND RESOURCES PLEASE RETURN THIS GUIDE TO BOX Thank You! Slot Canyon Trail W elcome to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. We hope you enjoy your hike at the monument. In order to conserve costs and resources we ask you to please return this guide to the box. SC-2. One-Seed juniper—What is this plant? How is adapted to the desert? How can it be used? One-seed juniper (mono meaning one and sperma meaning seed) is a very large shrub that ranges in size from 6-20’ tall with fine-textured waxy, scaly needles which look somewhat like alligator skin. The waxy, scaly needles reduce water loss, a benefit for desert plants where water is scarce. The females have blue berries that were used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and food. The wood was used for bows and arrows, building material, fuel, and prayer sticks. The bark was used for a green dye, fibrous mats, and saddles. One seed junipers have an extensive root system that supports them and reduces soil loss where they grow. SC-3. Nurture plants (shrub live oak under one seed juniper on left side of trail) and nurture rocks—Wha

about 4,100 acres, or a little over six square miles, covered by piñon-juniper woodland (but now mainly juniper) in a setting of cliffs, mesas, and valleys. This bird checklist is limited to only this little patch of land, even though the Rio Grande and Cochiti Lake with their much greater biological diversity are a mere six miles distant. A FEW BIRDING TIPS FOR THE BEGINNER: The two essentials for good birding are binoculars and an up-to-date field guide. Without binoculars, most birds are but fleeting shadows, and without a trusty field guide that displays all the possible choices, birding is reduced to mere guesswork. Probably the best overall handbook available is the National Geographic “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” fourth edition. The bird illustrations in this checklist are taken from the National Geographic Guide. The various guides by David Sibley can be consulted for an even more varied array of fine illustrations. Although by no means intended as a complete primer on birding, the following points represent a good start. 1. 2. 3. Consult checklists (like this one) and field guide maps frequently to determine when and where a species is likely to be present. That way you won’t be looking for warblers in the middle of winter. Become thoroughly familiar with all the common birds first and avoid speculating on rarities. In other words, assume the bird you’re looking at is common, or at least a regular visitor. Observe the bird carefully and take notes on body size; bill shape; color on head, back, throat and belly; as well as special field marks, such as eye rings, wing bars, and white outer tail feathers. THE WORLD BEYOND MERE BIRDING: To be sure, birding, or the sport of identifying birds, can be an end in itself, just like collecting bottle caps or baseball cards. But it can also lead from an individual preoccupation to the collective concern for conservation and the health of the planet. Whether people realize it or not, we are losing birds. In 2002 the Audubon Society issued a Watchlist in which fully one fourth of our 800 species in the U.S. and Canada were listed in the “at risk” category. And that was twice the number of birds that were so listed only five years before! It is sobering to realize that what is happening to birds today will inevitably affect humans tomorrow. One way to learn more about birds and conservation is by attending an International Migratory Bird Day event—always on the second Saturday in May. International Migratory Bird Day has been celebrated at the Monument every year since 2003. Check with the BLM for details if you are interested in attending this event in upcoming years. KEY TO THE BIRDLIST: More than sixty species were recorded at Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument during twenty-four visits in 2003 and 2004, but the true dimensions of the bird life here probably won’t be known for many years. For the moment, however, the following designations of Abundance and Seasonality should provide significant identification clues. Many birds are defined these days as “neotropicals,” a term that refers to species that spend winters in the tropics, but return to us in the summer to breed. Many birds designated as “S” or “M” are therefore neotropical birds. c = common; f = fairly common; u = uncommon; r = rare. R = Year-round resident. S = Bird is present only in summer. W = Bird is present only in winter. M/1 = Bird is a fall and spring migrant, spending its summers nesting near the Monument in suitable habitat. M/2 = Bird is a fall and spring migrant on its way to a place far from the local area. Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks NATIONAL MONUMENT Donald L. Malick Red-tailed Hawk (R-u): If a large, soaring hawk has a red or rufous (rust-colored) tail, then it’s probably this hawk, but if your hawk is very small and also has a red tail, then it’s a Kestrel. Therefore, identifying the Redtailed could be very simple if it weren’t for one little detail: young Red-tails, even well into their second year, do not have red tails. So it’s necessary to look at another field mark—the dark patagial line just below the leading edge of the wing (patagium), which is easily seen when the bird is overhead. Donald L. Malick THE GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE OF THIS LIST: KashaKatuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is relatively small—only Most important of all, remember that birding is an acquired skill, honed by years of experience. Thus, uncertainty is not resolved by snap judgments, but instead by more birding. dark bird overhead a Golden Eagle? Well, it could be, but far more likely, it’s the much more common Turkey Vulture. These two dark species are often confused unless one takes a closer look. When seen from below, the Turkey Vulture’s flight feathers have a silvery hue, giving the wings a two-toned appearance. The Turkey Vulture also holds its wings tilted upward, forming a shallow “V,” and rocks from side to side as though it were a little intoxicated. The e

BLM mountains mean a lot to us. It is home — full of peace and harmony. At times it is dry, other times I belong to this place. Donald Suina For further information: Albuquerque District Rio Puerco Field Office 435 Montaño Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87107 505/761-8700 or visit www.nm.blm.gov BLM/NM/GI-06-04-1232 The Plants of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument The exquisite, multi-hued geological treasure known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks beckons visitors with its unique volcanic hoodoos, narrow canyons and high mesas. Equally intriguing on a smaller scale are wildflowers, be they nestled in niches, crooks and crannies of the area’s white cliffs (‘Kasha Katuwe’ in the native Keresan language) or sprinkled throughout the almost unworldly assemblage of volcanic ash and tuff deposits, cliffs and canyons. Wildflowers in the dry, hot Tent Rocks environment can be sparse, but they can also ornament the landscape in the spring or after a good rain. Finding these small treasures can be as much of an adventure as scaling the fantastic heights of this special place. Perhaps one of the first things you will notice is that many of the area’s shrubs are gray, because of white hairs on leaves and stems. These hairs insulate the plant from loss of moisture. Below ground, their roots are many feet long, reaching down to the deep underground water table. On the other hand, wildflowers bloom and make seeds during the wet season. When the rains end, the plants dry up and disappear from sight. They are not seen again until the underground seeds spring up in the next rainy season. Where you see flowers, you see insects. Flowers depend on insects to fertilize their seeds, and insects depend on flowers for food. If you look closely, you will see that each kind of flower attracts a certain kind of insect. Bees commonly approach yellow or blue flowers, ones that provide a flat place to alight. After landing, dark lines on the petals lead the bee to the nectar. On the way to the tasty drink, pollen will rub off the body onto the flower and as the bee leaves, hairs on the body will pick up more pollen. Butterflies and moths, with their long narrow tongues, can reach the nectar deep inside long narrow flowers. Butterflies, like bees, find these tubular flowers with their acute eyesight. If you are enjoying the shadowy landscape at dusk, you will see hawkmoths flit from flower to flower. Moths wait until their predators go to roost before feeding, but by then the light is dim, so flowers attract moths by a sweet smell. Hummingbirds also provide a pollination service for flowers. You see hummingbirds around bright red flowers the size and shape of their bills. Shrubs Three-leaf Sumac (Rhus trilobata) Sumac Family Inconspicuous clusters of small yellow flowers bloom in April before leaves appear on this four-foot-shrub. By summer, the red berries have matured among the bright shiny leaves. Because these sticky, pea-sized berries taste of tart lemon and are used, with a generous heap of sugar, in a refreshing drink, the plant is sometimes called lemonade bush. In fall, the leaves turn a flaming red. Another common name, Skunkbush, reflects the unpleasant odor of the plant. Trilobata, meaning three-lobed, refers to the three-part leaves. Native Americans used the supple branches and bark for wicker baskets. Shrub Live Oak (Quercus turbinella) Beech Family A large, spreading shrub with thick stems, this oak has holly-like leaves with spine-tipped teeth. Live oaks keep their leaves throughout the winter, only dropping them when new leaves appear in the spring. The inconspicuous early spring flowers develop into typical acorns. Presence of acorns certainly identifies these shrubs, but you may not see very many acorns because birds and other wildlife find them delectable. Native Americans also ate the nutritious nuts, but first they had to boil them to remove the poisonous tanins. Albuquerque District there is rain and snow. colorful ornaments of the landscape... Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens) Heather Family This handsome three-foot-tall shrub with leathery evergreen leaves and smooth reddish-brown bark forms thickets on the mesa and in lower areas of the Monument. In early spring, clusters of small pink bell-shaped flowers bloom, and by summer shiny brown berries have replaced them. The fine hairs covering the leaves protect the surface from losing water to the dry air. Depending on the amount of rain during the previous year, the crop of manzanita berries may be lush or sparse. Prehistoric Indians ate the berries raw, cooked or dried. A jelly made from manzanita is delicious. Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa) Rose Family The abundant white flowers on the openly branched shrub are saucershaped and as large as apple blossoms. While new flowers are appearing, older flowers develop seed clusters with pink feathery tails like miniature war bonnets. The small leaves are divided into several narrow lobes. When covered with seed plu

Junior Ranger Activity Guide Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Public Lands Belong To You! The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency that takes care of more than 245 million acres of land. Most of these lands are in the western part of the United States. These lands are America’s public lands, and they belong to all Americans. Public lands are almost equal in area to all the land in the states of Texas and California put together. The BLM manages public lands for many uses. Public lands supply natural resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and other minerals. They also provide habitats for plants and animals. People enjoy the big open spaces on the lands. The lands also contain evidence of our country’s past, ranging from fossils to Indian artifacts to ghost towns. To download this guide, visit our Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument web page at: www.blm.gov/new-mexico Before you Begin your Adventure... Import ant Stuff! •Befo someonre hiking, tel be and e where you l return. when you wil will l Bring o t s lt) Thing an adu with •Stay on marked trails. •Obey sig ns tions. and ranger instruc •Take out what y d n bring in ou ater a . w f o r nty e e l m P m . 1 su n get k. (In a snac this area ca d s ee month d you will n n HOT a ater.) w f lots o at. nd a h a n e e scr 2. Sun t. Aid Ki t s r i F 3. a he are u t f o ap yo 4. A m now where k are always where you d are an . going lothing e c r e p 5. Pro r eye on th ou keep y and dress er weath ately. ri approp (along The Oath of the BLM Junior Ranger ___________________ (fill in your name) As a Junior Ranger, I promise to: • treat the earth and all living things with care and respect, • be aware of how my actions can affect other living things and the evidence of our past, • keep learning about the importance of nature and history, and • share what I have learned with others! Welcome to Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument This Junior Ranger Guide is YOUR official opportunity to get involved with the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Let us take you on a tour of all the geology, history, fun facts, stories, and important information that surrounds this Monument. You can work through the activities on your own or invite a sibling, parent, or an adult you know to join you. When you complete all of the activites inside this book, you will be qualified to be a Junior Ranger. w Turn the page and start earning your credentials as a Junior Ranger! 1 People of the Past and Present T he air is cool and the sun is just peeking over the horizon as young Blue Sky and his father head out of the village. Today, Blue Sky will have his first hunt. The pair walk for hours with wide eyes and quiet footing so as not to scare away any game. Finally, Father spots a young deer grazing on the low-hanging leaves of an aspen tree. Father motions Blue Sky to take aim. With all his might, Blue Sky pulls back the string of his bow, aims his arrow and lets it go. The arrow misses the deer and hits a large rock, breaking the arrowhead in half. The deer runs away. Meanwhile, Blue Sky’s mother and sister begin their day in the bustling village with much work to be done. Mother grinds corn (maize) with a metate and mano, storing the flour in a clay pot. The corn flour will be used later for porridge or “piki” bread. Sister makes clothing for the family using tools made from stone and bone. Ancient people, like these hunters and villagers, lived in this area, and many of their descendants, like the Cochiti, still live close by today. Archaeologists study the ruins and artifacts left behind to understand how they once lived. Often, the only clues we have to the past are artifacts like the arrowhead, clay pot, and bone tools mentioned in this story. Sites and artifacts are special and should not be disturbed. CH D WAT R O W s studie es. t who ir activiti s i t n e e i c h S t : f t gis sed by ns o d or u aeolo the remai e h c c u r d A ro gh tely p hrou libera ople t e e p d s t l s pa k part les. eria r too e mat t peop s o h a T d p : e s act e liv peopl Artif ing. cient n hunt a s e a r e h c h u sw ty s Place activi SITES: in an 2 T he earliest human presence in this area was probably around 4,000 years ago — The Archaic Period. Hunter-gatherers roamed the landscape in search of food. Gradually, plants such as corn and squash were planted and people began to make permanent settlements. These are the Pueblo people. Pictured below is an ancient tool used for grinding corn. The larger stone is called a “metate” and the smaller stone with which to grind is called a “mano.” What group of people lived (and still live) in this area? __________________________________________ What animals do you think they hunted? __________________________________________ What did they make with ground corn? __________________________________________ 3 Axe Bow & Arrow Awl & Thread Rawhide Pot Moccasins Deer Arrowhead Metate

Alien Run Mountain Bike Trails NORTHWEST NEW MEXICO The 7,242-acre wilderness is in a badland area of rolling, water-carved clay hills. The area, rich in fossils, has yielded numerous specimens important to science. Alien Run Mountain Bike Trails Ojito Wilderness Alien Run consists of three looped mountain bike trails that cover more than 26 miles. The original loop and the Outer Limits Trail encircle a rumored UFO crash site. The trail features swooping flow trail, rim riding, slickrock sections, and tight turns through the piñon-juniper woodland. The Alien Run Outer Limits extension features rocky climbs and plunging downhills. The trail is known for including one of the largest selections of slickrock in New Mexico. Deep, meandering arroyos offer miles of terrain in which to wander amid canyons, cliffs, and some colorful geological formations. Summer monsoon rains often provide just enough rain to make this area flourish with blooming desert plants. Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Angel Peak Scenic Area Within this 10,000-acre area rises the scenic Angel Peak, at nearly 7,000 feet. A short nature trail leads to an overlook of blue and gray shale badlands formed from floodplains of ancient rivers. Angel Peak has three picnic areas with ADA accessible toilets. The campground has nine sites available for tent camping. There are ADA accessible restrooms. No drinking water or electrical hookups are available. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness A favorite with photographers for its hoodoo formations, the wilderness is a remote, desolate area of steeply eroded and colorful badlands. Time and natural elements have created strange rock formations here and some of the most extraordinary scenery in New Mexico. Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area More than 800 acres are available for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts in this sand dune area. Glade Run Recreation Area The Glade Run Recreation Area offers many miles of motorized and nonmotorized trails through piñon-juniper woodland with sandstone bluffs, sandy arroyos, and badlands. Jeeps, utility-type vehicles (UTVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dirt bikes, mountain bikes, equestrians, and hikers will all find a place to play. Ten designated campsites are available at the Brown Springs Campground, which has shelters, picnic tables, campfire rings, two vault toilets, a group shelter with large grill, and a tot lot track for kids on dirt bikes or ATVs. Designated and dispersed camping in the recreation area requires a free permit from the BLM. The recreation area is known for its national class rock crawling, having hosted the Grand Nationals Rock Crawling Championships for many years. The oldest continuously held mountain bike race in the United States, the Road Apple Rally, also takes place here. Details are available in site descriptions or on the map side charts. Bring plenty of water for you and your pet. Many BLM sites do not offer facilities or drinking water. NM Statewide Recreation Brochure BLM/NM/GI-19/006+8000 Looking for a map, book, permit, or recommendation to explore your public lands? Visit the Public Lands Information Center at the BLM’s New Mexico State Office; 301 Dinosaur Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87508. Call (505) 954-2002 or (877) 276-9404 (toll free), or visit www.publiclands.org. Head Canyon Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Follow us on: www.facebook.com/blmnewmexico www.facebook.com/blmlascruces www.youtube.com/blmnewmexico www.flickr.com/photos/blmnewmexico www.twitter.com/blmnewmexico Bureau of Land Management BLM New Mexico State Office 301 Dinosaur Trail Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505) 954-2000 www.blm.gov/new-mexico/recreation In the “Land of Enchantment,” the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees outdoor recreation and many other activities on more than 13 million acres of public land. New Mexico’s public lands are diverse, encompassing high deserts, rugged lava flows, badlands, deep canyons, wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and other distinctive landscapes. The majority of BLM-managed public land is open for recreational use, and opportunities abound for hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, off-roading, and other activities. The BLM also manages National Conservation Lands (NCLs), public lands with exceptional qualities. These special areas are managed to conserve and protect nationally significant landscapes recognized for their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values. They also contain some of New Mexico’s most spectacular landscapes. New Mexico’s NCL units include four national monuments; two national conservation areas; three national scenic and historic trails; two wild and scenic rivers; 18 wilderness areas; and 47 wilderness study areas (WSAs). Those WSAs with legal public access are listed at the end of each mapback section. WSAs are places that are characterized by “naturalness” and that Congress is considering designating and protecting as wilderness—places that offer outstanding opportuni