Here's everything you need to know before you explore the Ojito Wilderness

The Ojito Wilderness is just over an hour drive northwest from Albuquerque and has more than 11,000 acres of protected wilderness. The wilderness is a mix of steep-sided mesas, terraces, escarpments, box canyons, arroyos and badlands. Shale, sandstone and limestone make layers in the rock faces.

Things to know:

• Facilities — There are no facilities in the area. The village of San Ysidro is about 10 miles from the wilderness.

• Water — There is no water available in the wilderness, bring your own.

• How to dress — Wear layers, as the weather can be unpredictable.

• Access — The wilderness is closed to all motorized and mechanical forms of transportation, including mountain bikes.

• Fees — None

• Season and hours — Open year-round

Things to see:

• Petroglyphs and ruins — Through the centuries, many cultures have tried to make the wilderness their home, leaving behind ruins and artifacts.

• Hoodoos — These weathered rock formations come in all shapes and sizes, forming pinnacles, spires and cap rocks.

• Fossils — Dinosaurs, trees, plants and marine invertebrates left behind as the once vast river channel and floodplain complex turned into the high desert landscape we see today. Collecting fossils is prohibited, unless authorized by a permit.

Things to do:

• Hiking and horseback riding — There are several trails in the area of varying difficulty.

• Bird watching — There are more than 100 species of birds to see in the Ojito wilderness.

• Hunting — Managed by the New Mexico State Department of Game and Fish.

• Backpacking and camping — Camp on durable surfaces, pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, respect wildlife, minimize campfires, camping stoves are recommended.

Trails:

Hoodoo Trail

This hike is a popular spot for birdwatching, walking and horseback riding. There are many different hoodoos ranging in size and shape along this trail. Dogs are allowed. Alltrails.com suggests the best time to visit the trail is March through October.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 3.4 miles

Dragon's Back Trail

This trail is popular for hiking and running. There is no shade along this trail, and alltrails.com suggests the best time to visit is December through April.

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 7.2 miles

Seismosaurus Trail

This trail is a good spot for bird watching, hiking and running. This is the place to see petroglyphs, fossils and ruins. Dogs are allowed on leashes. Alltraills.com suggests the best time to visit is November through April.

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2.2 miles

Ojito Wilderness