The Dome Wilderness is New Mexico’s smallest wilderness area, but don’t let its size fool you. The Dome sits next to the Bandelier Wilderness and National Monument and offers extensive trips into the lower half of Bandelier.

On this hike, we will descend almost immediately into Sanchez Canyon, where a small waterfall and stream run. We’ll climb through ponderosa pine and through juniper mesas until the trail cuts into the Bandelier Wilderness and National Monument, where the keen observer can see ancient signs of the people who lived on the Pajarito Plateau. Turkey Creek Springs is just a short trek away, and we’ll stop there for lunch, get some fresh water, and view an area that recently burned. Deer can be found in these open meadows, and the Pecos Wilderness rests mightily on the horizon from this point.

NOTE: Please bring your camera. We will be doing photo documentation of ATV/Motorcycle abuse and damage in and leading into the Wilderness that has been reported to us by the FS.

Maximum Participants: 10

Hike Leader: David Ehrman, 505-216-9719 or david@nmwild.org

Distance: 8 miles

Time: 6 hours

Elevation Range: 6,400 ft – 7,100 ft

Difficulty: Moderate