Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

The Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is a large stretch of grasslands, pine forests, and slopes in western New Mexico. Located roughly two hours southwest of Albuquerque and only a few miles northeast of Gila National Forest, the land is one of many sites watched over by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The site's most notable landmark is the majestic Pelona Mountain, which towers over the landscape at 9,212 feet. The other main attraction at the WSA is the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which passes right through the area and attracts numerous hikers every year. Those who like to pursue outdoor adventures and connect with nature can enjoy primitive camping within the WSA. The vast majority of the federal lands administered by the BLM are popular camping destinations, and many of them feature inexpensive, well-maintained campgrounds. Simply search for "BLM camping near me" if you're interested in visiting one of these sites for yourself.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail certainly isn't your average hiking trail. The route, which passes through the WSA, is a point-to-point trail that runs all the way from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. As you'd expect, the trail features a wide variety of landscapes, elevations, and difficulty levels. There are also many great areas to camp along the trail.

Length: 3,100 miles

Intensity: Varies

Dragonfly Trail

The Dragonfly Trail is a scenic loop trail found in Gila National Forest. It's a perfect destination for hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching, and there are ancient petroglyphs found on the rocks roughly halfway through the route. The peaceful trail is relatively leisurely and suitable for hikers of every ability level. You can also bring your dogs as long as they remain leashed.

Length: 3.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Mineral Creek Trail

This point-to-point route allows you to enter a real mountain canyon system where you'll observe many colorful geological formations. The hike is a bit challenging as the terrain gets rugged in certain areas, and you must cross a creek. This trail is quite long, so plan for an all-day experience if you intend to traverse the entire route.

Length: 13.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing & Boating

Western New Mexico is a relatively arid region, so opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based recreation are few and far between. However, if you travel south into Gila National Forest, you can visit the Middle Fork Gila River, which will likely provide the best fishing opportunities in the area. The river, which features roughly 40 miles of fishable water, is inhabited by the native Gila trout. There are also plenty of brown and rainbow trout inhabiting the river as well. If you want to do some recreational boating, you can utilize the river for a pleasant day of kayaking or canoeing.

Climbing

There aren't too many notable climbing destinations around the Continental Divide WSA, but the most significant is Pelona Mountain. The impressive peak is found in an extremely isolated area, and only a small number of people ever climb to its summit. However, the route to reach the top isn't particularly hazardous or complicated, and the views you'll be rewarded with will be unforgettable.

Wildlife Viewing

As with most national forests, Gila National Forest is inhabited by many different wildlife species. While you may not see as many animals in the more open areas of the Continental Divide WSA, the more densely forested region to the south is home to a variety of species. You may spot a black bear, mountain lion, or antelope. Deer, elk, and bighorn sheep are also common in the region, and you may even catch a glimpse of a wild turkey or two. If you keep your eyes on the skies, you'll have a good shot at observing a red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, or bald eagle.

Picnicking

The Continental Divide WSA is located in a very remote part of New Mexico and lacks any established facilities, so you'll probably be on your own when it comes to picnicking. You'll want to bring along your own blanket, towel, or portable chairs. If you come well-equipped, you can simply look for a serene location to hunker down and enjoy a quiet meal.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you're hoping to enjoy some RV camping, you'll need to be sure to do so outside of the area designated as wilderness. There are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds located at the site or around it, but you do have the option of staking out a custom campsite. If you want to stay at an RV park featuring hookups and conveniences, your best bet will probably be to travel west near the town of Reserve, NM. There, you could stay overnight at the Apache RV Park.

Free Camping

There are quite a few campgrounds near the Continental Divide WSA that are either free or require a very small fee. A few nearby options are the Luna Park Campground, the Aeroplane Mesa Campground, and the Upper Scorpion Campground. You're also free to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping by simply setting up your own dispersed campsite anywhere in the vast wilderness.

RV Rentals Near Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

If you're taking a BLM RV camping trip to the Continental Divide WSA, remember that motorized vehicles and equipment are not permitted within any area designated as wilderness. You should also plan for the fact that the BLM site isn't located close to any significant towns, so making a trip to the store for food, water, or other supplies will prove to be a major inconvenience. It's unlikely that you'll have cellular service in the area, either. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

There are a few things you can do to help ensure that the Continental Divide WSA stays clean and thriving. For starters, pick up after yourself, leave the land the way you discovered it, and give wild animal inhabitants plenty of space. In general, planning out your travels and outdoor activities beforehand will make it much easier to leave no trace on the area, so make an effort to think ahead. You may encounter other visitors or campers during your stay; please treat them the same way you'd like to be treated.

Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area Location

To reach the Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area from Socorro, NM, head west on US Highway 60 for roughly 46.5 miles, and then turn south onto NM Highway 52. Stay on the highway for about 21.5 miles until you reach NM Highway 163. Turn toward the west onto the highway, and then continue on it for 14.5 miles. At that point, you'll reach a small pullout that serves as a trailhead for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. If you walk westward along the trail, you'll reach the WSA.

Ready to visit Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.