The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Founded in 1946, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees and maintains public land areas across the United States. Camping at a secluded BLM campsite offers you a chance to be at one with nature. The most incredible views and close encounters with wildlife happen in the still of the forest, not in a crowded campground. You may camp in the area for up to 14 days at a time. Please be sure to reuse established campsites wherever possible and leave the area the way you found it when your stay is over.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the breathtaking views of west-central New Mexico when they hike to the top of the BLM-managed Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. This mountain is replete with beautiful vegetation, including one-seed and alligator varieties of juniper, as well as two-leaf pinyon, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and Mexican white pine. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy the privilege of observing many different species living together in this isolated woodland.
This trail is a rough road that runs east to west across the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. There is a BLM sign at the western entrance. From there, the path follows a dry stream until it meets a cluster of ponderosa pines. The grassy saddle on the western side of the trail offers a spectacular view of the Sawtooth Mountains in the distance.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Enchanted Tower is about 30 miles from the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. You can access this formation from a private road. The owners of that road don't mind that people use it to go to The Enchanted Tower, but they ask that you leave the gate the way you found it. The three most popular climbing areas are Shipwrecked, The Golden Stairs, and Goliath. They all have a four-star difficulty rating.
The Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area provides a rich habitat for many animal species, including mountain lions, elk, mule deer, bobcats, and golden eagles. You might even spot the United States' national emblem, the bald eagle, in this area.
There are no designated picnicking areas or amenities in the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Still, the grassy saddle on the western portion of the trail is a lovely place to spread out a blanket and grab a quick bite to eat.
There are no sites for RV camping in the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. However, you can pitch your tent or park your RV at the Datil Well Recreation Area Campground, about 25 miles away.
There aren't any free camping areas in the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area. You can find free camping about 27 miles north at the Lester Jackson Park in Pie Town. This free campground features water spigots and a playground. It's also conveniently located across the street from quaint shops and restaurants.
When you plan a BLM RV camping trip to a secluded forest like the Horse Mountain Wilderness Study Area, there are a few things to consider. First, always remember to check the weather. The last thing you want is to end up in the middle of a downpour or a stretch of 100+ degree weather. Next, be aware of the dangers of the surrounding wildlife. The smell of food can draw bears from miles away, so you'll want to take precautions to keep your food secured and separate from your camping area. Finally, make sure you have a plan for dealing with waste if you choose to use a primitive campsite. You'll need to have enough bags for your trash so you can take it with you. Either bury your waste or bring a camping toilet with you. Remember, toilet paper takes a long time to decompose, so you'll need to dispose of it with the rest of your trash.
Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Leaving your campsite exactly the way it was when you arrived shows that you care about nature and the planet you live on. Every bit of garbage negatively impacts the habitat of the plants and animals that call these forests home. When camping in public areas like BLM sites, please pack out your trash and remember to leave no trace.
If you're coming in from the nearby city of Datil, NM, head southwest on Highway 12 for about 25.5 miles until you pass mile marker 49. Turn north on Horse Springs Road. It's an unmarked gravel road that is easy to miss, so pay close attention. If you pass a ranch house, you've gone too far. Take Horse Springs Road for 4.2 miles, then turn onto a dirt road on the right. This road is rugged and will require a vehicle with high clearance to get through. The parking area will be 0.8 miles past the gate. You can reach Nance Canyon from this parking area by either hiking or riding horseback on the nearby trail.
Ready to visit Horse Mountain 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.
