McKittrick Canyon Wilderness Study Area

The McKittrick Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is located in southern New Mexico, approximately 40 miles southwest of Carlsbad. It is contiguous with the Guadalupe Escarpment WSA (managed by the U.S. Forest Service). McKittrick Canyon contains Chihuahuan Desert grassland and scrub, including creosote bush and mesquite, as well as piсon-juniper woodlands and deciduous riparian. This WSA consists almost entirely of steep side slopes.

The establishment of a WSA identifies areas for Congress to consider adding to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The BLM manages these areas to ensure its suitability for designation as wilderness is not impaired. To learn more about Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/wilderness.   

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

Wilderness Study Areas are known for their unique wilderness characteristics, primitive recreation opportunities, solitude, and mostly undeveloped area. As a result, this area does not have any facilities or interpretive signage to make the area easier to navigate. To access the area, visitors must be able to walk several miles across a mountain ridge and through private lands.  

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Know Before You Go

Fees 

  • None 

Facilities  

  • There are no restrooms or potable water available at the WSA and service is limited.  

Nearby Amenities  

  • The nearest location to get food, water, and gas is 20 miles away in Queen via Queens Highway, then New Mexico State Road 137 North. 

Seasons/Hours 

  • Open year-round 

Special Rules  

  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed in the WSA. 

  • No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons. 

  • Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. 

 BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS 

Wildlife in Area 

  • Bighorn sheep 

  • Rattlesnakes 

  • Pronghorn 

  • Cooper’s Hawks 

Phone

575-234-5972

Email

BLM_NM_PDO_Mail@blm.gov

Activities

Iconograph a person wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
BACKPACKING
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BIRDING
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DISPERSED CAMPING
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HIKING
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PHOTOGRAPHY
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STARGAZING
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WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad
New Mexico
88220

Geographic Coordinates

32.00643583, -104.8281392

Directions

From Highway 285 northwest of Carlsbad, take highway 137 to the Dog Canyon Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. You will see the slopes of the McKittrick Canyon WSA to the northeast, though private land precludes public access to the WSA.

Fees

No

Stay Limit

14 Days