Mesmeric Land of Hoodoos: Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness

Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness is one of New Mexico’s most extraordinary and otherworldly landscapes. The dramatic hoodoos, sculpted sandstone formations, colorful badlands, and vast open desert create an unforgettable natural panorama. The remote atmosphere makes the experience feel peaceful, wild, and completely disconnected from modern life. A truly remarkable destination for landscape photographers, hikers, geology enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique Southwestern adventure.

If Bisti is the alien planet everyone whispers about, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah is its quieter, stranger sibling. The formations here are even more delicate and bizarre — thin stone pedestals balancing heavy capstones, crumbling grey badlands streaked with purple and yellow bands, and petrified logs scattered across the desert floor like forgotten bones. I spent an entire afternoon wandering through a section that felt like walking through the skeleton of some ancient, collapsed world. The solitude is absolute. There are no trails, no water, and no cell service. I always hike with a partner here and leave my plans with someone who isn't coming. The access road is unmarked and easy to miss — I use GPS coordinates to find the small pulloff. Go in spring or fall; summer heat in the badlands is punishing.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Silent beauty! On 29th December 2025, we went on a self-guided tour of this wilderness area to see the spectacular geological formations with our friends. Eroded badlands with hoodoos, petrified wood, and colorful clay hills makes this place otherworldly. We began this hike in the late afternoon and continued to explore until dusk. This is an easy 3.7-miles hike and we spent around 2.5 hours exploring this place. Every turn showed hoodoos with distinctive shapes. We eventually lost our minds in the maze of hoodoos. As the light changed across the badlands, the terrain came alive with color, making the effort and remoteness incredibly rewarding. Suggestions: 1) Check weather conditions before hiking in this badland area. 2) To reach to the trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle for the rough, primitive dirt road. 3) As there are no trail markers please download an offline map. 4) Please wear layers, heat protection and put on sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. 5) Bring enough water and high energy snack with you. 6) Leave no trace behind.

Staggering and otherworldly