About Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area
The Sierra de las Cañas as WSA is located in west-central New Mexico. This rugged desert mountain range is highly scenic. It features colorful sheer rock escarpments, deep narrow canyons, mountain ridges, mesa tops, and badlands. This highly scenic area contains the Loma de las Cañas as Ridgecrest with multi-colored sandstone, limestone, siltstone, and shale. There is also interesting vegetation including yuccas, cholla, prickly pear cacti, and ocotillo. Spring wildflowers are a special attraction.
How to Get There
To reach the northwestern border of the WSA, take the Escondida exit (#152) from I-25 (approximately three miles north of Socorro and 23 miles south of Bernardo & Hwy 60 E). Drive east and then immediately north to follow NM 408 for just over one mile to Pueblito Road. Turn right on Pueblito Road and drive east for less than one mile to the community of Pueblito; passing Escondida Lake and crossing the Rio Grande. At Pueblito, turn right onto Bosquecito Rd which parallels the Rio Grande, and drive just under 1 mile, and turn left onto a dirt road that goes east. This is the Quebradas Backcountry Byway, which is marked by signs. Follow this road, passing unmaintained, intersecting roads along the way for approximately 7.5 miles. From this point, the WSA will be on your left for approximately 7 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area
Heading to Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area?
No central reservation system listed for Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/14612) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area?
To reach the northwestern border of the WSA, take the Escondida exit (#152) from I-25 (approximately three miles north of Socorro and 23 miles south of Bernardo & Hwy 60 E). Drive east and then immediately north to follow NM 408 for just over one mile to Pueblito Road. Turn right on Pueblito Road and drive east for less than one mile to the community of Pueblito; passing Escondida Lake and crossin…
How do I contact Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-835-0412.
References & Official Resources
