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BLM Camping

Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area


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

If you go camping on public land in the western United States, there's a solid chance you're doing so in an area administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM, a federal government agency, is responsible for protecting and maintaining more than 247 million acres of natural land, most of which is spread across 12 western states. Most of these BLM sites are havens for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, fishing, boating, biking, and much more.

One of these outdoor BLM sites is the Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area (WSA), which is located in northwestern New Mexico and about 40 miles northwest of Albuquerque. The BLM site is part of the larger Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area and consists mostly of arid, rugged desert terrain. People regularly make the trip to the WSA to enjoy a solitary camping experience or to explore the numerous nearby hiking trails.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

South Piedra Lisa Trail

The South Piedra Lisa Trail is a trek through the lush forests of the Sandia Mountain Wilderness. The popular out-and-back trail is surrounded by dense vegetation and colorful wildflowers, and the hiking experience tends to be the best between March and October.

Length: 4.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rinconada Canyon Trail

Near Albuquerque, you'll find the Rinconada Canyon Trail, a heavily trafficked loop traversing a wide-open stretch of desert. The trail is unique in the sense that many of the surrounding rocks are etched with fascinating petroglyphs. Hikers of all skill levels should be able to handle the trek, and they can even bring their leashed dogs along.

Length: 2.2 miles

Intensity: Easy

Alameda Bosque Trail

The Alameda Bosque Trail is a paved out-and-back trail that runs beside a narrow river. In addition to hiking and running, the trail is a popular spot for mountain biking, road biking, and even horseback riding. You won't find much shade along the way, so don't forget the sunscreen and drinking water.

Length: 10.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing & Boating

The Ignacio Chavez WSA is located in an area dominated by desert land, so significant bodies of water are sparse. However, if you travel toward Albuquerque and the area south of the city, you'll come across the famous Rio Grande River. You can float the majestic river in any type of non-motorized craft, such as a kayak, canoe, or raft. The river is also a frequent destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts looking to catch a few of the local trout, pike, smallmouth bass, and carp.

ClimbingClimbing

Climbing opportunities are limited in the region but not nonexistent. You can head to the nearby Sandia Mountains for some long-approach alpine climbing, or you can take on some granite bouldering in the foothills. The Tunnel Springs trail features several short, sustained climbs, and nearby Palomas Peak is a great destination for limestone sport climbing if you're skilled enough to tackle it.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

The entire region is populated by many diverse wildlife species, but the Carson National Forest is perhaps the most compelling destination for observing them. Within the scenic forest, you'll have a solid chance to come across mule deer, elk, antelopes, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears. The area is also inhabited by many smaller animals and numerous songbirds.

Picnicking

Although you may find scattered picnic tables around the BLM site, you may have to create your own picnicking setup instead. Many of the higher-elevation areas of the WSA offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and desert, so those may be the best places to lay out your blanket and enjoy lunch.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

If you're looking for RV camping in the area, you'll have to stay outside of the actual WSA. This is because any areas federally designated as wilderness forbid the use of motorized vehicles or equipment. As for other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, if you search for "BLM camping near me," you likely won't find any in the area. However, you will find many campgrounds accommodating to RVs both southeast and southwest of the BLM site. The Bar S RV Park offers pull-through RV sites with full hookups for just $22 per night. Alternatively, the Route 66 RV Resort near Albuquerque features both standard and luxury RV sites, all of which come with 100-amp hookups.

Free Camping Campground Icon

You'll find an opportunity for Bureau of Land Management free camping about 25 miles east of the Ignacio Chavez WSA at the BLM Dispersed Camping Campsite. The camping experience there will be very primitive and minimalist; there will most likely be no services or amenities, and sites will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

RV Rentals Near Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

Whenever you're planning a trip to a remote stretch of wilderness like the Ignacio Chavez WSA, certain precautions are necessary. These precautions include bringing lots of extra food, water, and supplies, letting someone know exactly where you'll be going in case of emergency, and preparing for an absence of cellular service. 

You should also be aware that the weather greatly differs from season to season in the area. Both the summers and winters tend to feature very harsh temperatures, so plan accordingly while packing items like clothing and sun protection. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

The BLM requires that all visitors clean up after themselves and treat the area with respect. If you encounter any wildlife, please only observe from a safe distance and avoid doing anything to interfere with the ecosystem. You also won't find any waste disposal receptacles in the WSA, so make sure to take all trash and food waste with you when you leave. If you set up a campsite, only do so on durable surfaces, and if you burn any campfires, keep their impact to a minimum. The BLM thanks you sincerely for contributing to the preservation of this beautiful land.

Leave No Trace
Location

Ignacio Chavez Wilderness Study Area Location

To reach the Ignacio Chavez WSA from Albuquerque, start by taking I-25 N for about 17.5 miles. Next, take exit 242 toward US-550 W, and then merge onto US-550 N. Stay on US-550 N for roughly 41.5 miles before turning left onto NM-279 W. Continue onto San Luis Rd for 5 miles, and then turn left to stay on it for another 5 miles. After that, take a slight left onto Guadalupe Rd, follow it for about 2.5 miles, and then take a sharp left to stay on it. After another half mile, you will reach the outskirts of the BLM site.

Ready to visit Ignacio Chavez 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.