THE PLACE: Volcano Hill–Petaca Pinta Country

Volcano Hill-Petaca Pinta country is arguably one of the most remote wild areas in central New Mexico. Given that it is just fifty miles west/southwest of Albuquerque, one would expect the area to be overrun with development and use, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The moment you leave I-40, you begin to enter a world very similar to the famous red rock country of southern Utah. Large volcanic plugs rise up dramatically from the valley floors; painted mesas stretch out across the horizon in every direction; Mount Taylor looms above the surrounding landscape like a monolithic guardian, and vast, expansive grasslands cover the rolling hills and basins, providing some of the best wilderness experiences in New Mexico.

THE PROJECT: We will be exploring several of the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance’s Wilderness inventory areas in Volcano Hill–Petaca Pinta country, documenting roads and routes to determine whether they should be closed or left open. We will also be cataloging animal and plant species that occur within these roadless units.

MEALS: We will provide breakfast both Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast will consist of fruit, granola, and yogurt. We will also be offering dinner on Saturday. Dinner will consist of green chili chicken enchiladas prepared in a Dutch oven.

MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 25

PROJECT LEADER: Nathan Newcomer

CONTACT: Go to nmwild.org, and click on “Events”.

DRIVING DISTANCE: About an hour west of Albuquerque