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Sabinoso Wilderness

A small pool surrounded by red rocks.

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Sabinoso Wilderness (map of the Sabinoso Wilderness) in 2009 and it now has a total of See Sabinoso Wilderness breakdown of 29,242 acres.

All of this Wilderness is located in New Mexico and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

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Description

The Sabinoso Wilderness is in a remote area of the northeastern portion of New Mexico. The wilderness is located in the short-grass prairie region of the Great Plains along the Canadian Escarpment where the Las Vegas Plateau drops away to the Canadian River. Though grassland predominates around the wilderness, the deeply incised topography of the Canadian Escarpment is covered by juniper trees, with pockets of ponderosa in sheltered canyons and north facing slopes. The name Sabinoso refers to the abundance of junipers in this region. A prominent feature cutting through the center of the Wilderness is Canyon Largo, which is a deep canyon with colorful sandstone outcrops. A small intermittent but perennial stream flows in the canyon, providing a water source for wildlife and cottonwood trees. On either side of Canyon Largo are side canyons and rugged terrain topped by mesas. Two significant side canyons are Canyon Ciruela and Canyon Olguin. All the canyons provide for ample opportunity to explore. From the higher vantage points, long views across the plains to the east are found. The large deep canyons and mesas of the escarpment create a unique and striking topographical and geological contrast in the otherwise flat, wide open terrain of the New Mexico plains. The colored sandstone cliffs and treed slopes provide a scenic setting for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, camping, and nature observation.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Sabinoso Wilderness.

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.