Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

About Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

The Continental Divide WSA is located in the west-central part of New Mexico. The landmark of this area is Pelona Mountain, rising to 9,212 feet. Rolling grassland gives way to steeper slopes covered in piсon pine woodland and ponderosa pine forest, although the summit of the mountain itself is mostly grassland. Views from the top of Pelona Mountain stretch out for miles across the surrounding plains. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through this WSA.

How to Get There

From Socorro, NM drive west on US Highway 60 for approximately 46.5 miles and turn south onto NM Highway 52 (gravel). Drive for about 21.5 miles on NM 52 and turn west onto NM Highway 163 (gravel). Travel approximately 14.5 miles on 163 to a small pullout serving as a trailhead to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Hike on the trail to the west to enter the WSA.

Plan Your Visit to Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

Heading to Continental Divide 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• Park map (PDF)
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)