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Moonrise over the Bisti Badlands, New Mexico, USA [OC] [1348×1800]

Okay, here's a destination guide for witnessing the moonrise over the Bisti Badlands, designed to enhance the experience for tourists.

Moonrise Over the Bisti Badlands, New Mexico: A Traveler's Guide

Overview:

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, often called the Bisti Badlands, is a geological wonderland located in northwestern New Mexico. It's a landscape of surreal rock formations, sculpted by millions of years of erosion. Witnessing the moonrise over this alien landscape is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and celestial wonder. This guide provides information to help you plan a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip.

1. Planning Your Visit:

  • Best Time to Go:

    • Moon Phase: The ideal time is during a full moon or a near-full moon phase. This provides the most dramatic illumination of the formations. Check a lunar calendar well in advance of your trip. Websites like TimeandDate.com provide detailed moon phase information for specific locations.
    • Season: Spring and Fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winter can be cold, with potential for snow and ice.
    • Weather: Check the weather forecast immediately before your trip. Sudden thunderstorms can occur, especially in the summer, and flash floods are a serious hazard.
  • Duration: Plan for at least a half-day trip, including travel time to and from the Bisti Badlands, as well as time for hiking and enjoying the moonrise.
  • Permits and Regulations: The Bisti Badlands is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There are no fees or permits required for day use. However, be aware of and adhere to the following:
    • Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on established trails when possible to minimize impact on the fragile environment.
    • Fire Restrictions: Be aware of any fire restrictions in place. Campfires are generally prohibited.
    • Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed them.
    • Stay on BLM Land: The Bisti Wilderness is surrounded by private land, so be mindful of boundaries.
  • Accommodation: The closest towns with lodging options are Farmington (about 40 miles to the north) and Bloomfield. These towns offer a range of hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Camping is allowed in the wilderness area, but you must follow Leave No Trace principles.

2. Getting There:

  • Location: The Bisti Badlands are located south of Farmington, New Mexico. The closest town with services is Farmington.
  • Driving Directions:
    • From Farmington, take US-64 South for approximately 30 miles.
    • Turn left (east) onto County Road 7295 (also known as Navajo Route 7295). This is a dirt road.
    • Continue on County Road 7295 for approximately 7 miles. The parking area for the Bisti Badlands will be on your left.
  • Road Conditions: County Road 7295 is a dirt road that can be rough and rutted. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain. 4WD is helpful, but not always necessary depending on recent weather. Check road conditions before you go, especially if it has rained recently.

3. What to Bring:

  • Navigation:
    • GPS Device or Smartphone with GPS: Cell service is unreliable in the Bisti Badlands. Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps offline, Gaia GPS, or AllTrails) before you go.
    • Compass: A traditional compass is a good backup in case of electronic failure.
    • Map of the Bisti Badlands: Obtain a map from the BLM or download one online.
  • Safety:
    • Water: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water per person. Dehydration is a serious risk, especially during warmer months.
    • Food: Bring snacks and energy bars to keep you fueled during your hike.
    • Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
    • First-Aid Kit: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister treatment.
    • Headlamp or Flashlight: Essential for navigating in the dark after the moonrise. Bring extra batteries.
    • Warm Clothing: Even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Bring layers, including a jacket or fleece.
    • Sturdy Hiking Boots: The terrain can be uneven and rocky.
    • Whistle: For signaling in case of emergency.
    • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Satellite Messenger: For emergencies where cell service is unavailable.
  • Photography:
    • Camera: Capture the stunning moonrise with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even your smartphone.
    • Tripod: Essential for sharp, long-exposure shots in low light.
    • Wide-Angle Lens: To capture the vastness of the landscape and the moon.
    • Telephoto Lens: To zoom in on the moon and distant formations.
    • Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: You don't want to run out of power or storage space.
  • Comfort:
    • Folding Chair or Blanket: To sit comfortably and enjoy the moonrise.
    • Insect Repellent: Mosquitos and other insects can be present, especially during wetter months.

4. Finding the Perfect Moonrise Spot:

  • Exploration is Key: The Bisti Badlands are vast and feature numerous photogenic formations. Arrive early to explore and find a location that appeals to you.
  • Popular Areas:
    • Egg Gallery: This area features numerous egg-shaped formations.
    • Cracked Eggs: These formations look like cracked eggs, providing unique foreground interest.
    • Hoodoos: Tall, slender rock formations that create a dramatic silhouette against the moon.
    • Wings: These are some of the most recognizable formations in the Bisti.
  • Consider the Direction: Use a compass or GPS to determine the direction of the moonrise. Position yourself with interesting formations in the foreground.
  • Scout During the Day: If possible, visit the Bisti Badlands during the day to scout locations and familiarize yourself with the terrain. This will make it easier to find your chosen spot in the dark.

5. Moonrise Photography Tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Use a photography app or website (e.g., PhotoPills, The Photographer's Ephemeris) to plan your shot. These tools can help you determine the precise time and location of the moonrise.
  • Use a Tripod: A tripod is essential for sharp, long-exposure shots in low light.
  • Shoot in RAW Format: This will give you more flexibility when editing your photos.
  • Manual Mode: Use manual mode to control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
  • Aperture: Start with a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8 or f/11) for greater depth of field.
  • Shutter Speed: Adjust your shutter speed to achieve the desired exposure.
  • ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise.
  • Focus: Use manual focus and zoom in on the moon to ensure it is sharp.
  • Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different settings and compositions.
  • Consider Foreground Interest: Incorporate interesting rock formations in the foreground to add depth and context to your photos.

6. Safety Considerations:

  • Tell Someone: Inform someone of your plans, including your destination and expected return time.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to the terrain and watch out for hazards such as loose rocks and uneven ground.
  • Stay on Established Trails: When possible, stay on established trails to minimize impact on the environment and avoid getting lost.
  • Avoid Hiking Alone: Hiking with a companion is always safer, especially in remote areas.
  • Watch for Wildlife: The Bisti Badlands are home to various animals, including snakes, coyotes, and birds. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid approaching wildlife.
  • Flash Floods: Be aware of the risk of flash floods, especially during monsoon season (July-September). Avoid hiking in canyons or washes during periods of heavy rain.
  • Hypothermia: Be prepared for cold temperatures, especially at night. Dress in layers and bring warm clothing.
  • Altitude Sickness: The Bisti Badlands are located at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. If you are not accustomed to high altitudes, take it easy and drink plenty of water.

7. Leave No Trace Principles:

  • Pack It In, Pack It Out: Carry out everything you carry in, including trash, food scraps, and toilet paper.
  • Minimize Campfire Impacts: Campfires are generally prohibited. If you are allowed to have a campfire, use an existing fire ring or fire pan and keep the fire small. Burn all wood to ash and pack out the ashes.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not feed them.
  • Leave What You Find: Do not remove any rocks, plants, or artifacts from the Bisti Badlands.
  • Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect the peace and quiet of the wilderness.

8. Important Contacts:

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Farmington Field Office: (505) 564-7600
  • San Juan County Sheriff's Office: (505) 334-6622
  • New Mexico State Police: (505) 841-9256

Enjoy the magic of the moonrise over the Bisti Badlands!

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