This Hidden Gem in New Mexico Looks Like an Alien Planet
A hidden gem in remote northwest New Mexico offers surreal beauty and otherworldly charm. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness may not be well-known globally, but this visual masterpiece is a dream location for landscape photography. Here you’ll find some of the most unique rock formations and a rugged landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the important details of the Bisti Badlands, providing insights, practical tips, and essential information to help you start planning your trip.
The Landscape of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll find anywhere. This area, spanning approximately 45,000 acres, is known for its bizarre and captivating rock formations, perfect for photos that will stand out. Picture towering hoodoos, intricate pinnacles, and sprawling badlands, draped in hues of red, orange, and white strata.
One of the most striking features of Bisti is its hoodoos—thin spires of rock that extend from the desert floor and reach toward the sky. These formations throughout the expansive badlands offer endless compositional possibilities. The layers of colorful strata reveal years of geological processes and change with the shifting light of the day.
Popular formations like the “Cracked Eggs” and “Alien Throne” are ideal spots, but really, rugged natural beauty is everywhere you look in the Bisti Badlands.
How to Get There and When to Go
Reaching the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness requires some planning, but the payoff is well worth the effort. The wilderness is accessible from two main points—the Bisti (west) entrance and the De-Na-Zin (east) entrance. The Bisti entrance is the more popular for photographers and can be reached by taking US Highway 371 south from Farmington, NM.
Once you arrive, navigating the wilderness can be challenging because of the vast and rugged terrain. There are no roads, so you’ll need to explore on foot. There are several trails, but it’s important to note that the trails are not marked, so they’re more like suggested routes. This is why a GPS device is so important (AllTrails has some good maps). Taking printed maps isn’t a bad idea, just in case.
You’ll need to drive on dirt roads to reach the wilderness area. These remote dirt roads can get washed out if it rains, so pay attention to the weather forecast.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness can be photographed year-round, but the best times to visit are the fall and spring. These seasons offer milder temperatures, making it more comfortable to hike and explore.
For the best results, aim to photograph during the golden hours—just after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times amplifies the colors of the rock formations and adds a magical glow to your images. Midday sun can be harsh and create high-contrast lighting conditions, so if you’re shooting during this time, consider using a polarizer to reduce glare.
The Bisti Badlands is also an excellent location for night photography. There’s virtually no light pollution thanks to the remote location, and you can capture this unique landscape beneath the starry sky.
Essential Gear for Photographing Bisti/De-Na-Zin
When packing for your trip, make sure you have a versatile kit with various lenses. Opt for a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) to capture the expansive landscapes and interesting foreground elements. A telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) will be useful for isolating distant rock formations and compressing the scene.
A sturdy tripod is helpful for capturing sharp images, especially during low-light conditions or for long exposures. Bring neutral density (ND) filters and polarizers to manage exposure and control reflections on sunny days. Remote triggers will also help prevent camera shake when taking long exposures.
The remote and rugged nature of Bisti means you’ll need to be well-prepared. Pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you’ll be far away from civilization and you don’t want to run out. Wear proper clothing to protect yourself from the sun, wind, and sand. Hydration is crucial. Carry plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up.
Conclusion
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a playground for landscape photographers. By following the tips and recommendations in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to capture the magic of this extraordinary location.
