Devil’s Backbone Wilderness Study Area rises from New Mexico‘s desert grassland as a series of dramatic knife-edged ridges and jagged peaks. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this rugged landscape transitions from piñon-juniper woodlands in the north to rocky grasslands in the south, creating diverse habitat that supports nesting raptors, including golden eagles, and occasional mountain lion sightings.

Hiking trails wind through the WSA, offering opportunities to explore the distinctive backbone formations and observe wildlife. The terrain is challenging in places, with steep ridgelines and rocky outcrops requiring sturdy footwear and careful navigation.

As a BLM-managed wilderness study area, dispersed camping is permitted throughout, allowing visitors to establish primitive campsites away from developed areas. No facilities exist within the WSA, so pack all water, supplies, and waste. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary depending on access roads.

Spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions for exploration, avoiding summer heat and potential winter snow at higher elevations. Bring binoculars for raptor watching along the ridgelines, where thermals carry birds of prey above the dramatic landscape.

Explore Nearby

• Wild Rivers Back Country Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Quebradas Back Country Byway — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Elephant Butte Lake State Park — State Park in New Mexico
• Cibola National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico
• Caballo Lake State Park — State Park in New Mexico