In New Mexico, the Chihuahuan Desert region is found throughout the south-central and southeastern part of the state, with finger-like extensions protruding north up the Rio Grande and Pecos River valleys into the central part of the state. New Mexico represents the northern portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, which extends south through west Texas and deep into Mexico. This desert is one of the most biologically rich and diverse ecoregions in the world (Olson and Dinerstein 1998).

The northern portion of the Chihuahuan Desert is a dry grassland ecosystem dominated by shrubs and native grasses. Yet the region contains a variety of other geographic and habitat types. Several mountain ranges rise dramatically from the desert floor and act as 'sky islands' similar to the adjacent Sky Island region of southwestern New Mexico. This landscape diversity also includes unique low-elevation mountains, mesas, hills, and canyons; volcanic features such as lava flows, craters, and cinder cones; and freshwater environments such as playas, streams, and springs. The wild lands described here represent this mix of landscape types, encompassing shrub covered desert, vast grasslands, riparian areas, oak, juniper, and pinyon woodlands, and even sheltered Ponderosa Pine forests. Cacti, yucca, and agave are common plants of the region. In fact, this desert is especially known for having high cacti diversity and endemism. Similarly, grasses, euphorbs, asters, and legumes also demonstrate this same trait. The plant diversity of this region in turn supports a high variety of invertebrate and reptile species. Mammals in the area include pronghorn, deer, javelina, bobcat, and coyotes, as well as some rare species such as desert bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. Numerous migrating and resident birds use the region, including the rare Aplomado falcon. The freshwater biota of the ecoregion is considered some of the most unique in the world because of its complexity and high level of endemism.

In addition to their unique geographical and ecological characteristics, the wild lands described here also have all the characteristics of wilderness as outlined in the Wilderness Act. These areas also serve as buffers around existing conserved areas and as linkageas with other wildlands in the region. Protection of these lands is crucial for maintaining diverse communities of plants and animals, watershed functions, wildlife habitat and travel corridors, and open spaces for human use. Wilderness designations will ensure that these lands maintain these important functions.