Less than two hours from ABQ: See hoodoos and tent rocks for free

20250323-go-hoodoos — Ojito Wilderness’ Hoodoo Trail.

Donn Friedman Donn Friedman Donn Friedman Journal Outside

Published March 24, 2025 - 12:00 p.m. Modified June 17, 2025 - 8:35 a.m.

If You Go

If you go

Hoodoo Trailhead

Geographic coordinates: 35.52160694, -106.9186022

From Bernalillo, travel on U.S. 550 west about 21 miles (about 2 miles before San Ysidro) turning left onto Cabezon Road (County Road 906). Follow the left fork approximately 9¼ miles to an Ojito Wilderness sign. Continue about 1¾ mile to a developed parking area on the left side of the road. From the parking area, walk back about 400 feet to the east where a primitive trail leads north into the wilderness on the north side of the road.

Trailheads are on regularly maintained gravel road. When wet or after snow, be cautious of culverts.

Though camping in the wilderness is allowed, you must bring all your own water and practice leave no trace ethics.

The Hoodoo Trail in the Ojito Wilderness is a cheap man’s version of Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument.

And it allows dogs. It is free to explore. Unlike the national monument, you don’t need a ticket or a permit to make your way to a beautiful adventure.

Just take U.S. 550 northwest from Bernalillo and start watching for Cabezon Road and White Mesa Bike Trails Bureau of Land Management recreation area sign just after passing Zia Pueblo. The turn from Albuquerque will be to the left, and there is a turn lane.

After the turn, be sure to follow the more questionable fork in the road toward the left, or you will end up on the path to the gravel pit where guys in huge work trucks will wag a finger at you and let you know you are on the wrong road.

Less than 11 bumpy miles later, the BLM Ojito Wilderness boundary sign greets you.

The hiking trail to the hoodoos winds through the windy high desert that is best hiked in spring or fall. Though it is a more than three-mile round trip, you can enjoy views during this leisurely, less than 45-minute stroll.

The rough road can be loud, so cover the dogs’ ears or play the music loud as you head to the trailhead and its parking lot. Be aware of all the uses of the BLM land, including pull offs where sports shooters practice their skills along the way.