San Antonio Wilderness
The San Antonio Wilderness was designated by Congress March 12, 2019 per the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act which set aside 8,120 acres of land. The establishment of a Wilderness Area identifies an area Congress has added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The BLM manages these areas to ensure their unique wilderness characteristics, primitive recreation opportunities, solitude, and mostly undeveloped area are protected. To learn more about Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, visit our National Conservation Lands Page or Wilderness Connect.
The San Antonio Wilderness is located in northern New Mexico. A flat plain with rich flora and wildlife 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. To access this area, one needs a high clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle as the road is not maintained and has large rocks.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
San Antonio Wilderness only has a kiosk, there are no other developed facilities.
- Wilderness areas are considered 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.
- There are no established trails, and the area consists overwhelmingly of uneven roads, flat plains, or old cow trails. Visitors need to be able to walk, scramble across rocks for several miles with limited service while exposed to the elements.
Know Before You Go
Fees
None
Facilities
There is a kiosk at the start of Forest Rd 118.
There are no restrooms or potable water at the San Antonio Wilderness.
Nearby Amenities
The nearest place for food, fuel and water is in Antonito, CO approximately 11 miles away via Forest Rd 118 and US Hwy 285 N.
Seasons/Hours
- Open year-round.
- Road becomes impassable during inclement weather and after heavy rains.
Special Rules
No motorized vehicles are allowed in the Wilderness.
Including mechanical forms of transportation including any wheeled devices (drones, mountain bikes, strollers, carts, coolers with wheels and etcetera).
Please pack out what you pack in and practice a good land ethic.
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. Pets on the lava rock is not recommended.
Permits are required for uses such as guided tours, photography workshops, scientific research, and grazing.
Brochures, Maps, AND Publications
Wildlife in Area
Pronghorn
Elk
Bluejays
Whitetail deer
Mountain lions
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
You can reach the San Antonio Wilderness’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, veer right onto the first unmarked two-track road and travel for approximately two miles, then continue west onto the second two track dirt road on the left. Continue west (go straight) until you reach the first set of wilderness markers. Park as close to the road as possible.
Fees
No