Continental Divide Wilderness Study Area

Wilderness Study Area in west-central New Mexico managed by the BLM Socorro Field Office. The landmark is Pelona Mountain at 9,212 feet, anchoring terrain of rolling grassland that transitions to piñon pine and ponderosa pine forest on slopes, with the summit itself remaining mostly grassland. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through the WSA. Access is via US-60 west from Socorro, then south on gravel NM-52, then west on gravel NM-163 to a trailhead pullout; hiking west on the CDT enters the study area.