Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area

The Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area comprises 47,000 acres across two wilderness study areas (Ignacio Chavez and Chamisa) in northwest New Mexico, managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Rio Puerco Field Office. Much of the land lies within the 1768 Ignacio Chavez Land Grant. The arid northern section and higher piñon-ponderosa plateau in the south feature steep canyons and rugged cliffs. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through the area, accessed via approximately 13 miles of gravel and dirt road from County Road 279, with unmaintained trails connecting to the CDNST. Primitive camping and backcountry recreation including hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, and wildlife viewing are permitted with no fee or permit required for non-commercial use.