Trailwind
Wilderness · NM

Devil's Backbone Wilderness Study Area

Bureau of Land Management
DesignationWilderness
StateNM
Managed byBureau of Land Management
Best seasonApr–Oct
On the map
Map showing the location of Devil's Backbone Wilderness Study Area

About Devil's Backbone Wilderness Study Area

The Devil's Backbone WSA is characterized by its knife-edged ridges and peaks rising above the surrounding desert grassland. The north contains piсon-juniper while the south is comprised of rocky grasslands. A great number of raptors, including one pair of golden eagles, nests in the area. Mountains lions are also seen on occasion.

Things to do

HikingWildlife viewingDispersed campingBirdingPhotographyStargazing

When to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Best Apr–OctAverage low–high: 48–74°FAverage monthly sunny share of daylight: 68%3.0 wet days / month
Weather data & source

Each figure averages the highlighted months. 2018–2023 averages, not a forecast. Wet days estimate days with at least 1 mm of rain or snow using a calibrated ERA5 threshold. Contains modified Copernicus Climate Change Service information. Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (AWS Open Data, CC BY 4.0). ERA5 via Open-Meteo AWS Open Data

Plan your visit

Devil's Backbone Wilderness Study Area is managed by Bureau of Land Management. Check current conditions, permits, and reservations before you go.

See it on Recreation.gov →