About Wilderness Areas

Wilderness is a legal designation outlined in 

the Wilderness Act of 1964. This designation 

offers long-term protection and conservation 

of landscapes, natural values, habitat and 

sources of clean water on public lands while 

also focusing on unique features of particular 

wilderness areas. These special places have 

little to no human made improvements and 

are managed to maintain their primitive 

character. The National Wilderness 

Preservation System is made up of individual 

Wilderness areas that share a common 

management vision toward preserving 

naturalness, limiting the influence of man 

and providing outstanding opportunities for 

solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of 

recreation.

Safety Tips

•Wear proper clothing. Even in summer, carry a flashlight 

and light jacket in case you are caught out after nightfall. 

Wear good walking shoes or hiking boots.

•Carry plenty of water, up to a gallon (4 liters) per person 

per day when performing strenuous activity in hot weather. 

Also bring a high-energy snack.

•It is best to hike with at least one other person. If you go 

alone, always leave word as to where you are going, what 

time you are leaving and what time you expect to return.

•It is unlawful to disturb or annoy wildlife, especially bats, 

reptiles, birds of prey and other protected species and their 

nesting areas. There are rattlesnakes in this part of the 

country, but they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.

•If you become lost, stay in one place. You will conserve 

your energy and make it easier for searchers to find you.

•In case of an accident or a lost person, notify the nearest 

New Mexico State Police office at 505/287-4141; they will 

then notify a search and rescue field coordinator.

•Know your limitations; don’t attempt climbs or hikes 

that you don’t have the ability, equipment, or time to 

accomplish. Do not climb on cliffs unless you are an 

experienced rock climber.

Bureau of Land Management

Rio Puerco Field Office

100 Sun Ave. NE

Pan American Bldg., Suite 330

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

505/761-8700 or

El Malpais Ranger Station

505/280-2918

or

www.blm.gov/new-mexico

General Rules & 

Regulations

BLM/NM/GI-02-005-1220

Collard lizards

Chipmonk

Leave No Trace: Plan ahead and prepare - Travel and camp on durable 

surfaces - Dispose of waste properly - Leave what you find - Minimize 

campfire impacts - Respect wildlife - Be considerate of other visitors.

El Malpais

National Conservation Area
The El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) is a 

special place with remarkable geological and cultural 

resources. Along with impressive scenery, the area is home 

to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, turkey, elk, 

mountain lion, black bear and the collared lizard. 

The BLM manages this area to 

conserve, protect, enhance and 

restore these special features for 

the enjoyment of present and future 

generations. Listed below are rules 

and regulations to keep in mind as you 

enjoy your time with us. 

Camping

The Joe Skeen Campground, is the only designated 

campground in the El Malpais NCA. It is located 2 miles 

south of the Ranger Station along Highway 117. This 

campground has marked sites, picnic tables, fire grates and 

vault toilets. No water is available at the campground but 

can be found at the Ranger Station (see website for hours). 

Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Campsite reservations are not allowed. There is a limit of 

7 days campsite occupancy in any 28-consecutive-day 

period. After the 7th day, campers must move at least 25 

miles from the previous location, and must not return there 

for at least 30 days. Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 

a.m.. Horses and other pack animals are not allowed in the 

campground.

Backcountry Camping

Campers wishing to stay in primitive and Wilderness 

locations are not charged a fee. Do not camp or build a 

fire in or on any historic or prehistoric structure or within 

300 yards of any spring, man-made waterhole, well, or 

water tank used by wildlife or domestic stock. Backcountry 

camping has a limit of 14 days in a 28-day period. The 14-

day limit can be reached by a number of separate visits or 

through 14 days of continuous occupation. After the 14th 

day, campers must move beyond a 25-mile radius from 

the previous location, and must not return to any location 

within this radius for at least 30 days. Vehicles may not be 

parked further than 100 feet from designated roads.

“Pack it in, Pack it out”—Please clean up your campsite 

before you leave and practice Leave no Trace. It is 

recommended but not mandatory that you stop by the 

Ranger Station located on Highway 117 to let a ranger know 

where you will be camping and how long you intend to stay.

Climbing

Technical rock climbing within the La Ventana Natural Arch 

area is prohibited. Climbing is allowed at other areas within 

the NCA, but bolting is prohibited within Wilderness. Please 

keep in mind that sandstone is generally of poor quality 

for rock climbing and that most cliff faces are located in 

designated Wilderness.

Pets

Pets are allowed in the NCA but must be kept under control 

at all times. They are not permitted on ranger guided 

programs. Follow all posted signs; pets must be leashed 

at all developed areas 

and trails. Animals 

that are trained to 

assist handicapped 

persons are the 

exception to these 

rules. Please keep 

plenty of water on 

hand for you and your 

pet as water sources 

are limited.

Please respect wildlife at all times.

Fires

Fires are permitted in the NCA; however, the use of gas 

stoves is encouraged. Use established fire rings where 

provided. If you construct a new fire ring, dismantle it and 

scatter ashes before you leave. You can use downed wood, 

but it is illegal to cut dead snags, live trees or branches. It is 

also illegal to use chainsaws for any purpose in Wilderness 

areas. It is prohibited to build a fire on or near any historic 

or prehistoric structure, ruin site or cave resource.

Please use caution, be aware of the current fire dangers 

and restrictions, and make sure your fire is completely 

extinguished before you leave.

The BLM Ranger Station on Highway 117 has the latest fire 

restrictions and information.

Hunting, Firearms and Fireworks

It is prohibited to use, display or carry weapons within 

developed campsites or picnic areas. Discharging firearms, 

hunting and trapping are illegal within developed recreation 

areas and within 1⁄2 mile of a developed recreation site, 

residence, campsite, or occupied area. 

Hunting and trapping are permitted on NCA lands, including 

the Wilderness areas. It is your responsibility to obtain the 

proper license or permit and to be aware of the rules and 

regulations set by the New Mexico Department of Game 

and Fish. It is illegal to discharge a firearm or any other 

implement capable of taking human life on, from, or across 

a developed road; within 40 feet of a road; within a fenced 

right-of-way; across a body of water; or in a reckless or 

careless manner.

Driving off designated roads in order to retrieve game 

is prohibited, as is the possession or use of fireworks 

anywhere on public lands.

Roads

When driving on backcountry roads, it is recommended 

that you have a high-clearance vehicle. Travel with any 

motorized or mechanized equipment (including mountain 

or dirt bikes) is restricted to designated roads. 

Designated Wilderness areas are only accessible by 

stock-animal or foot traffic. All motorized and mechanized 

equipment is prohibited in designated Wilderness areas. In 

accordance with the Wilderness Act, many former vehicle 

routes have been closed in Wilderness.

Bicycles

Mountain bikes are permitted on any of the designated 

roads. They are prohibited on trails and in Wilderness 

areas.

Collecting

•The removal or collection of any historic or cultural 

artifact is prohibited anywhere within the NCA. 

•Fossil collection of any kind, invertebrate or vertebrate, is 

prohibited within Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas.

•Collecting renewable plant parts (flowers, berries, nuts, 

seeds, cones, and leaves) as well as individual rocks in 

reasonable amounts for personal use only, is permitted. 

A permit is needed for live plants or mineral resource 

collection or removal.

•Use of metal detectors is prohibited in the NCA.

Mule Deer

Pets must be leashed at all developed 

areas and trails.