The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is located along the southern border of New Mexico. The wilderness area is made up of 48 mountains formed by volcanic eruptions. The interest for visitors is in the cinder cones and lava fields that are found throughout this part of New Mexico. RV drivers will find plenty of things to see and do in and around the Potrillo Mountains, including the adjacent White Sands National Park. A short drive northwest will bring you to Petrified Forest National Park and its interesting attractions. RV drivers can take advantage of the isolated region close to El Paso that allows raptors and ducks to turn this part of New Mexico into their home during the winter.
Bureau of Land Management camping is available at the Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area. Primitive and dispersed camping options allow you to camp in a rustic way on BLM grounds. Searching "BLM camping near me" is an easy way to locate camping spots while exploring the scenic areas of the US. The Bureau of Land Management is a federal agency that uses public funds to maintain areas of beauty and scientific importance. Public access is available to the majority of Bureau of Land Management properties across the United States.
This trail is located in the heart of the Potrillo Mountains. The challenge comes from the amount of sand and gravel on the trail. An elevation of 508 feet does not provide much of a challenge, but some scrambling is required. The trail takes an average of three hours to complete for most hikers.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
An easy trail taking advantage of a paved walkway, the Los Alamos Canyon Trail offers impressive views across southern New Mexico. The trail is open year-round and takes one hour to complete. A wide walkway and barriers ensure the safety of all hikers along the out-and-back route.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Part of the Bandelier National Monument, the Alcove House Trail is a great spot for beginners. The loop trail can be covered on foot or bike, with the one-hour loop a popular attraction during school vacations. A 140-foot-tall ladder takes you to the top of a natural amphitheater for exquisite views.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
While much of southern New Mexico is an arid desert, there are several lakes in the El Paso region close to the Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area. Caballo Lake on the Rio Grande River is one of the most impressive fishing locations in the Southwest. The lake is stocked with walleye and bass. Another option is Elephant Butte Lake, which is the largest reservoir in New Mexico.
Potrillo Cliffs is one of the most popular climbing areas for RV drivers taking advantage of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in southern New Mexico. The cliffs are short, with some equipped with metal anchors. The Potrillo Cliffs face south and west to give climbers sun and shade throughout the day. The climbing routes are rated between 5.5 and 5.9.
The isolated nature of the Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area has made it difficult for mammals to make the region home. The rainy season brings waterfowl to the region, with the lava fields and cinder towers creating small pools of water. Ducks and raptors spend the winter months in the Potrillo Mountains, where there is a lack of predators.
There are no designated picnic tables or shelters at the Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area. Instead, check out the nearby Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, which has picnic tables and shelters available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Kilbourne Hole Volcanic Crater has been designated a national monument since 1975. The crater can be walked by hikers who pass around the 1.5-mile-wide rim overlooking a depression that is 400 feet deep.
Thirty miles east of Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area, you will find the settlement of Las Cruces. The city is popular with RV drivers because of the availability of gas stations and grocery stores. RV camping is available at Las Cruces RV Park, which is focused on campers aged 55 and older. The Hacienda RV Park offers 113 RV parking spots and plenty of cabins available for rent.
The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is home to dispersed Bureau of Land Management free camping areas. While on BLM land, you are free to camp in any spot not posted with camping restrictions for up to 14 days in a 28-day period. While BLM RV camping in dispersed campgrounds in the wilderness area, keep in mind that there will be no access to water or other amenities, so plan accordingly.
The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is accessible throughout the year. The best time to visit New Mexico is between March and October, with the rainy season bringing monsoon conditions to the winter months. The isolated region close to the Mexican border means you should be prepared with plenty of water and supplies before embarking on your excursion. Sturdy walking boots are a must, along with sunscreen throughout the year. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The phrase "leave no trace" refers to BLM guidelines that ask visitors to Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and other locations to thoroughly pick up after themselves before departing the area. Human waste should be removed and buried at least 200 feet from any body of water. When camping, stick to hard-packed areas that have served as campgrounds before. Also, leave all flora and fauna, rocks, and historical artifacts where you find them.
The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is located close to the New Mexico border with Texas. From State Highway 136, take Highway 9 to County Road 005. Take County Road 005 north for 1.5 miles. The Potrillo Mountains Wilderness Area is on the left-hand side of the road, and there is a sign outside of the location.
Ready to visit Potrillo Mountains Wilderness 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 of 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.
