About San Antonio Wilderness Study Area
The San Antonio WSA is located in northern New Mexico. A flat plain at about 8,400 feet in elevation contains a gorge about 100 feet deep carved by the Rio San Antonio. Because of upstream diversions, the lower stretches of the river go dry in the summer. The plain is grass and shrub covered, while the gorge includes stretches with Douglas fir and spruce. Per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which became law on March 12, 2019, this web page is currently being updated. To find more information on the new wilderness areas in New Mexico created by the Act, please visit: Wilderness Connect
How to Get There
You can reach the WSA's southern edge from Highway 285 by taking Forest Road 118 (north of San Antonio Mountain - about 19 miles north of Tres Piedras). Take Forest Road 118 west for just over three miles to an unmaintained, unmarked dirt vehicle route, which leads north and branches into other routes. At about two miles, these routes intersect or come very close to the WSA boundary which is located to the west.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to San Antonio Wilderness Study Area
Heading to San Antonio 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 San Antonio Wilderness Study Area?
No central reservation system listed for San Antonio Wilderness Study Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15134) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to San Antonio Wilderness Study Area?
You can reach the WSA's southern edge from Highway 285 by taking Forest Road 118 (north of San Antonio Mountain - about 19 miles north of Tres Piedras). Take Forest Road 118 west for just over three miles to an unmaintained, unmarked dirt vehicle route, which leads north and branches into other routes. At about two miles, these routes intersect or come very close to the WSA boundary which is locat…
How do I contact San Antonio Wilderness Study Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-758-8851.
References & Official Resources
