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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Sabinoso Wilderness Area

Trementina, New Mexico · San Miguel County

The Sabinoso Wilderness is a remote area in the northeastern portion of New Mexico. The Wilderness includes a series of high, narrow mesas surrounded by cliff-lined canyons. The rugged country primarily supports piñon pine and juniper woodlands with occasional clusters of ponderosa pine. A perennial warm season grass s…

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35.63244, -104.49578
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About Sabinoso Wilderness Area

The Sabinoso Wilderness is a remote area in the northeastern portion of New Mexico. The Wilderness includes a series of high, narrow mesas surrounded by cliff-lined canyons. The rugged country primarily supports piñon pine and juniper woodlands with occasional clusters of ponderosa pine. A perennial warm season grass savanna is found on the mesa tops. Streams periodically flow in the canyon bottoms supporting riparian vegetation including willow and cottonwood. The deep canyon area, surrounded by the wide-open New Mexico plains, is unique for this region. The deep incisions cut by Cañon Olguin, Cañon Largo, and Lagartija Creek create a striking topographical and geological contrast in this otherwise flat terrain.

How to Get There

From I-25 take exit 345 on to NM104 heading east. Travel 32.7 miles east to Trujillo, NM. Turn left on to San Miguel County Road C51A at Trujillo and travel east for approximately 7 miles on an improved dirt road. Follow BLM directional signs by turning left at the Y and heading north for 3 miles on the lightly maintained route to the Sabinoso Wilderness parking area. This road is not passable when wet. Please leave gates as you find them.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Sabinoso Wilderness Area

Heading to Sabinoso Wilderness 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 Sabinoso Wilderness Area?

No central reservation system listed for Sabinoso Wilderness Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/13473) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Sabinoso Wilderness Area?

From I-25 take exit 345 on to NM104 heading east. Travel 32.7 miles east to Trujillo, NM. Turn left on to San Miguel County Road C51A at Trujillo and travel east for approximately 7 miles on an improved dirt road. Follow BLM directional signs by turning left at the Y and heading north for 3 miles on the lightly maintained route to the Sabinoso Wilderness parking area. This road is not passable whe…

How do I contact Sabinoso Wilderness Area?

You can reach the park at phone: 575-758-8851.