Bisti Badlands
Bisti Badlands, Northwest New Mexico
BISTI BADLANDS (WINGS)
A BRIEF SUMMARY OF BISTI BADLANDS (WINGS)
The Bisti Badlands, south of Farmington, NM, is one of the most unique places I have ever visited and definitely one of coolest places few people have heard of. This completely unworldly place was once a coastal swamp of an inland sea – and provides views of some of the most amazing sandstone rock formations you will ever see.
The Badlands offer some of the most unusual scenery in the American Southwest and National Geographic Travel listed it as one of their must visit adventure destinations for 2019. This wonderland is a special place for hikers, explorers and photographers (especially astrophotography) and is the closest thing to Mars I have ever seen. If you are a photographer, give yourself several days to explore and photograph the endless abstracts, hoodoos, desert spires, arches and amazing formations.
Have you ever been to Mars?
Images and location summary by Tim Wier
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DATA POINTS INCLUDED WITH BISTI BADLANDS (WINGS) SUMMARY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail to this specific location as a 2 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). The hike to this location is a fairly easy 1 mile walk with no real elevation gain. However, you are walking through the badlands with no discernible trail and it is easy to get lost. The place where you are standing for this shot is a mound 10 ft or so above the ground and you could fall, but with careful foot placement it is an easy shot.
PLEASE NOTE: there are no amenities what-so-ever at, in or around the Bisti Badlands — no water, no picnic area, no restrooms, no Starbucks - nothing. So come prepared to be completely on your own. In the summer, the temperature can be very hot and there’s no shade for miles around. Make sure you have head cover and enough fluids and snacks for your time out hiking.
From a photography standpoint, this shot is a fairly straightforward shot. You are standing on a modest hill pointing forward at this unbelievable scene. Just find your right composition, make sure your focus is correct and wait …
There are countless compositions in the Bisti Badlands and I would recommend bringing lenses that range from 16mm-100mm. The shot above was taken with a 50mm lens.
6,500 Ft. Elevation
Other Resources Available with Membership
KMZ Trail File
Directions
Best Time of Day to Shoot
Best Time of Year to Shoot
Equipment Needed
Permits Required
Direction of Shot
Google Maps Birds-Eye-View
Number of Photographers to Expect
Cell Service
Overnight Lodging/Camping
Nearby Restaurants
Area Guides and Workshops
Other Resources
LOCATION SUMMARIES WRITTEN BY PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS
