The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management Albuquerque District Office has authority over two field offices, 2.5 million acres of public lands, and nearly four times as many acres of mineral estate. If you've ever looked for "BLM camping near me" and done it, then you will already know that the BLM manages lands for multiple uses and sustainability. The San Ysidro Trials area is a BLM site in New Mexico where riders, outdoor adventurers, and mountain bikers enjoy technical recreation activities in a gorgeous natural setting. The site isn't far from the vibrance of Albuquerque, full of museums, art, and culture. The Albuquerque Museum is a chance to learn local history, while the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center highlights the art and history of the Pueblo people. Visit the ABQ BioPark Zoo and Botanic Garden for over 200 animal species and plants from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. If you get hungry, try Native American-inspired cuisine at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, or get a seasonal steak entree in the cozy atmosphere of the High Noon Restaurant & Saloon. As you head out of the area, be sure not to miss New Mexico's national parks. White Sands National Park to the south has an otherworldly field of sand dunes that dazzle with their beauty where you can go hiking, horseback riding, and even sand sledding. Carlsbad Caverns National Park to the southeast has over a hundred limestone caves underneath the serenity of the Chihuahua Desert.
This loop trail is quite popular with hikers and mountain bikers, but you might get stretches of it to yourself depending on what part of the day you visit. It's open every month of the year and offers distinct natural beauty all around you. Bring your dog with you if you want, but pay attention to which areas they must stay leashed. Given the New Mexico climate, you should bring lots of sunscreen and water. Length: 7.6 miles Intensity: Moderate
Despite New Mexico being very arid, Albuquerque has a surprising number of lakes you can enjoy. Head for Cochiti Lake for a recreational reservoir where you can go swimming or windsurfing. Seasoned adventurers enjoy Ramah Lake. If you want the ultimate mountain lake setting for your getaway, check out Fenton Lake for recreational activities off the beaten path.
Canyoneering is available and fun right at San Ysidro. The canyon running through the trials area is never more than 50 feet wide but has sandstone slots running between 30 and 40 feet deep. This length runs nearly half a mile with pools of water amidst your canyon scrambling. The American Canyoneering Academy rates this route as 1B 1, which means it's not technical but could require swimming and wading. Avoid the canyon during inclement weather; flash floods can make the canyon quickly fatal.
Spending time in the trials area can mean wildlife encounters. You might encounter black bears, cougars, bighorn sheep, elk, and antelope. Also, keep your eyes open for raccoons, weasels, foxes, bobcats, badgers, and beavers.
Just a few minutes' drive from downtown Albuquerque, Tingley Beach is a great spot for an afternoon outdoors. A cafe and grills make for convenient picnicking, and several ponds are along the Rio Grande. Pedal boat rentals mean some fun on the water, or you can cast a rod from one of the fishing piers.
BLM RV camping at San Ysidro Trials is possible but only on a dispersed basis. If you're looking for hookups and amenities, you should check out commercial campgrounds in the Albuquerque area. Balloon View RV Park has great views, easy access to downtown, full hookups, a swimming pool, and showers. El Rancho RV Park is close to the state fairground with back-in sites, full hookups, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. You can also find Wi-Fi, showers, and full hookups at the pull-through sites of the Route 66 RV Resort close to casino gambling.
United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible in many New Mexico areas. The state has one national grassland and six national forests where free dispersed camping is available. You can do dispersed camping at the San Ysidro Trials Area, but there is also a lot of BLM land around Las Cruces in the southern part of the state or east of Farmington where you can find other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
The weather and climate in Albuquerque may stun you. Four distinct seasons of mild, dry weather include an average of 310 days of sunlight each year. Low humidity keeps summer comfortable and winters tame, and the annual average rainfall is just 9 inches. That means you must drink plenty of water and use high-SPF sunblock. The local elevation of the city is more than 5,000 feet. Higher ground means thinner air overhead, so UV rays are more potent than in other parts of the country. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Even with an RV's conveniences and creature comforts, camping with one still takes setting up when you arrive and taking it down before you leave. Make sure a leave-no-trace check is part of leaving any area before you go. Have someone in your travel party go around the campsite and ensure you're not leaving any trash or gear behind. Clean up all the mini trash you can find, and pack everything out that you brought in.
If you're driving from Albuquerque, then head north up I-25. When you reach Exit 242 for Bernalillo, head left on Highway 550 West. Stay on this road until you arrive at the Village of San Ysidro. Approximately 1 mile after the Village, you'll see an old weigh station at mile marker 25. The San Ysidro Trials Area is then on the right. Latitude/Longitude: 35.55489778, -106.8068008 Ready to visit San Ysidro Trials 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.
