Exploring the San Juan Basin Badlands
In a remote corner of northwest New Mexico, volunteers from New Mexico Wild explored the Ceja Pelón Mesa badlands. They…
Wilderness
On the land
New Mexico’s identity is written on the land. It’s in the high desert light, the deep river canyons, and the mountain trails that have been here long before us. These wild places are where we hike, hunt, fish, and find peace. They provide the clean water our communities depend on and are the ancestral homelands of Tribal Nations. They are our shared heritage.
New Mexico Wild is on the frontlines protecting them every day, ensuring the lands remain wild.
What We've Accomplished
16
New wilderness areas established across New Mexico
13.5
million acres protected after defeating a public lands sell-off
70
miles of trails maintained in 2025
Our Priorities
Protections for the Greater Chaco Region
Chaco Canyon’s irreplaceable cultural and archaeological significance demands permanent federal protections. While the recent 20-year ban on new oil and gas leasing around Chaco Canyon is a major victory, this sacred UNESCO World Heritage site remains threatened by existing and proposed development on adjacent lands within the San Juan Basin.
Caja del Rio At a Crossroads
The Caja del Rio is arguably one of the most culturally significant – both to many indigenous sovereign nations and local traditional Hispano communities – in the entire Southwest. It is also a critical wildlife corridor within the greater Rio Grande ecosystem. This campaign seeks to permanently protect this vital wildlife corridor and its varied habitats, and profound traditional land uses and cultural significance to Pueblo and local Hispano communities for future generations.
About Our Wilderness Rangers
Protect and explore New Mexico’s wild places by joining the Wilderness Ranger program. Through a partnership between New Mexico Wild and the U.S. Forest Service, Wilderness Rangers work across our state’s designated Wilderness Areas to monitor trail conditions, clear trails, rehabilitate campsites, and educate the public about responsible recreation.
News
Calf Canyon Fire: An Autohistoria
The Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico ignited from prescribed burns gone awry and consumed vast landscapes—trees bursting into flame,…
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PRESS STATEMENT: New Mexico Wild Denounces Trump Administration’s Attack on Public Lands Protections
New Mexico Wild strongly condemns Doug Burgum and the U.S. Department of the Interior for their proposal to rescind the 2024…
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HELP KEEP NEW MEXICO WILD
Your financial support helps defend our public lands, water, and communities from an onslaught of threats.
Together, we’ll keep New Mexico wild.
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