Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area

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

Home
Bureau of Land Management
New Mexico
Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area

Situated in northwestern New Mexico only a short drive from Albuquerque, the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area covers more than 45,000 acres and contains two wilderness study areas (WSA). The area, which is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), features rugged cliffs, steep canyons, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. The BLM is a federal government agency, and like most of the sites that it protects, the Ignacio Chavez BLM area boasts a well-maintained public campground. Because so many of the BLM's more than 850 sites feature affordable campsites in beautiful areas, BLM camping is a well-known and common practice. If you live anywhere in the western United States, you may even discover that there are unique opportunities for "BLM camping near me."

The Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area is made up mostly of the Ignacio Chavez WSA and the Chamisa WSA. The lush woodlands of Santa Fe National Forest are only about 25 miles northeast of the BLM site, offering convenient options for hiking, climbing, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration. Just to the southeast of the forest, visitors can also check out the fascinating Bandelier National Monument, where the Ancestral Puebloan people lived nearly a millennium ago.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Mesa Chivato

Mesa Chivato is a very long loop trail near San Ysidro, NM. The trail, which is quite popular for both backpacking and camping in addition to hiking, features canyons, lightly wooded areas, and open stretches with very little shade. You'll want to bring lots of water and any necessary sun protection with you when you visit. As you traverse the trail, you'll be rewarded for your efforts with scenic views of the surrounding desert. The trail also offers lots of quiet solitude and many colorful wildflowers. Dogs are not allowed on the Mesa Chivato trail.

Length: 24.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Los Indios Canyon

The Los Indios Canyon trail offers visitors a pleasant hike through the gorgeous canyons near San Mateo, NM. Known for its bird-watching opportunities and wonderful views, this hike is generally suitable for people of all fitness and ability levels. However, there are a few rocky and steep areas that require a bit of caution.

Length: 4.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Although the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area and the surrounding land are mostly arid, you shouldn't have to travel all that far for fishing opportunities. Your best option will likely be the Santa Fe National Forest, which features many streams and nearly 20 fish-bearing lakes. There are destinations for both warm and cold water fishing, and some of the lakes even have established areas for angling. As for boating, the Rio Grande flows not too far east of the forest, and people frequently utilize its waters for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing.

Climbing

As far as designated climbing areas go, you likely won't find too many near the Ignacio Chavez BLM site. However, that doesn't mean there aren't excellent places for adventurous rock-climbing enthusiasts to explore. Because the landscape of the region features many rock formations, canyons, and cliffs, there are quite a few places where climbing is a worthwhile activity. You should be able to find many suitable areas both around the WSAs and within the Santa Fe National Forest.

Wildlife Viewing

Like many wilderness areas across the country, the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area is teeming with wildlife. While exploring the wilderness or hiking along nearby trails, you may spot a coyote or mule deer scampering past. Elk are also common in the area, and even wild turkeys have been spotted nearby at times. The area is inhabited by quite a few cool bird species as well, such as red-tailed hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, jays, and juncos. The region has even been known to host golden eagle nesting sites.

Picnicking

While the Ignacio Chavez BLM area may not offer any picnic tables or shelters, it does offer the chance to enjoy lunch with a truly breathtaking view. If you'd like to experience the most adventurous picnic of your life, consider climbing to a safe cliff and laying out your picnic blanket a few yards from the edge.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you're looking to partake in RV camping, you'll have to do so outside the boundaries of the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area as motorized vehicles aren't permitted within wilderness areas. There aren't any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds nearby with RV accommodations, either. That said, you shouldn't have to drive more than a half-hour or so to find a campground with RV sites, electrical hookups, and modern amenities. A couple of the closest options are the Stagecoach Stop RV Park and the Albuquerque North/ Bernalillo KOA Journey.

Free Camping

Provided that you refrain from bringing your motorized vehicle or equipment into the wilderness area, you can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping anywhere around the site. There is an official BLM campground within the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area where you can enjoy peaceful primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there may be a minimal fee required to use the BLM campground, in which case you would need to set up your own campsite elsewhere to truly have a free camping experience.

RV Rentals Near Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area BLM trip

If you're visiting the Ignacio Chavez BLM site during late spring, summer, or early autumn, make sure that you're prepared for extreme heat. Shaded areas are scarce, and at times, the temperature in the area can exceed 100 degrees. Bring tons of water and sunscreen with you.

If you spend time exploring the area or climbing on rock formations, keep in mind that some sites in the region are sacred places for indigenous peoples. At those locations, many of the indigenous people prefer that visitors refrain from climbing. Usually, there are signs or indicators of some kind if that is the case, so be sure to keep your eyes open for them. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM requires guests to their sites to follow the Leave No Trace principles as closely as possible while visiting. These principles are guidelines for how you can minimize your impact on the land and help keep it clean and healthy. The guidelines instruct that you do simple things like properly disposing of your garbage, leaving nature undisturbed, and respecting local wildlife and your fellow humans. They also ask that you avoid letting your campfires get out of hand or setting up campsites on any land surfaces that aren't durable. Making an effort to adhere to these principles can truly make a difference for the area.

Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area Location

To reach the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area from Bernalillo, NM, head northwest on US 550 for roughly 43 miles. When you reach the highway's junction with County Road 279, you should see a highway sign that reads "San Luis - Cabezon - Torreon." When you see that sign, turn left and head west on the county road. You'll pass through the village of San Luis, and after that, the road will become dirt and gravel. Follow the dirt road for about 18 miles until the road splits. Instead of continuing south on County Road 279, head west at the split on BLM Road 1103. Follow the BLM road for about 1 mile and then stay on it when the road splits once again. This will take you to the mesa top of the Ignacio Chavez Grant.

Ready to visit Ignacio Chavez Special Management 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.