The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area in New Mexico is a Bureau of Land Management-owned area in the Chihuahuan Desert. The landscape of this area is truly breathtaking, with mountains made of volcanic rocks and flatlands made of canyons, desert grass, and juniper. Tons of native wildlife make this area their home, including raptors, also known as birds of prey.
Nearby the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area are White Sands National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Saguaro National Park. The largest and closest city to this wilderness area is Las Cruces, home to plenty of options for shopping, eating, and sightseeing at the city's museums. Las Cruces is also home to the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, an area covered in desert dinosaur fossils.
Slot Canyon is a trail that winds through a thin canyon. The trail is made up of sand, rocks, and some large boulders, making it a challenge recommended for hikers rather than bikers.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Doña Ana Arch Trail is a loop trail that leads users to the Doña Ana Arch, a relatively small canyon arch. The terrain is difficult at points, but seeing the natural arch is worth the hike.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Outfall Channel trail follows the seasonal Alameda Arroyo stream through the city of Las Cruces. This trail is paved and generally easy to walk or bike, and it connects to neighboring trails like the Triviz Multi-Use Path and the La Llorona Multi-Use Path.
Length: 4.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Sierra de las Uvas Mountains in the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area are named after the Spanish phrase "mountain of grapes" and make for great rock climbing opportunities. The mountains were originally named after grapes because there was a grapevine found growing alongside one mountain in the range, but now all of the mountains are covered with dry rocks and simple vegetation like cacti and thorn bushes. Climbers who wish to take advantage of the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains should be sure to bring backpacks full of drinking water since there are no water outlets near the mountains, and they should not climb alone since there is no cellular signal in the area.
Those who own ATVs, four-wheelers, or dirt bikes will come to love the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area because it has good flat trails made for ATV and off-road riding. When riding through the area, you may want to keep an eye on the ground, too, because there are lots of hidden petroglyphs made by former natives who lived in the area.
Hunters love coming to the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area because it has a great population of whitetail deer. There are also smaller species of rabbits like cottontail rabbits and black-tailed jackrabbits in the area.
While there are no picnic areas set up inside the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area, visitors are still permitted to eat in the area. Consider bringing along a blanket, towel, or folding chair if you wish to picnic in the canyons or on the desert floor.
New Mexico is known for its clear starry nights, so it makes sense that hobby astronomers would come to the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area to get some spectacular views of the sky away from the light pollution of cities. Keep in mind, though, that the nights in the New Mexico desert can be quite cold, so pack extra layers and blankets as needed.
If you'd like to stay near the Sierra de las Uvas Mountains but would still like to have full hookups available, consider staying at a nearby campground that isn't on BLM land. One RV camping option is Rio Grande RV Park, a campground with hookups, water lines, and shower facilities for all RV guests. You may also like Las Cruces KOA Journey, another campground with hookups, water, and extra amenities like a pool.
Tents and RVs can both stay at the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area for free. Tents carried by foot or ATV will be able to access the majority of the land, while RVs may be restricted to the flat areas near the front entrance. If you plan on staying overnight in this area with your RV, you may want to have a backup plan in mind in case you find your RV is too large to drive through the canyons.
If you plan on staying on the BLM-owned Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area land, be sure to pack your own water and batteries because this campground area is primitive, meaning there will be no hookups or water lines for you to use. Also, be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the day and night since the daytime in the desert is often hot and dry while the nights will be chilly.
Staying at Sierra de las Uvas will give you the unique experience of getting completely away from the city, making it easier than ever to connect with the natural environment. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you visit a BLM-owned land in New Mexico, you will be asked to follow the Leave No Trace policy, a policy made to protect the wildlife that lives on these lands. When you are in the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area, be sure to pick up all of your trash and bury any human waste at least 200 feet from any water source. Bring your own trash bags with you when you enter the area, and dispose of your collected trash properly after you leave.
To reach the Sierra de las Uvas Wilderness Area, start out at Hatch, New Mexico, and drive 1 mile on Highway 26. Then, turn left onto 6th Street and follow the road over railroad tracks. This road will turn from a paved street to a dirt road, and you will want to follow it for about 3/4 mile, then you will want to turn right onto County Road E005. After 3 miles, this road will take you to the northeastern entrance to the Wilderness Area.
Ready to visit Sierra de las Uvas 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 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.
