Sierra de las Canas Wilderness Study Area

A rugged desert mountain range in Socorro County, west-central New Mexico, managed by BLM's Socorro Field Office. The area features the Loma de las Canas Ridgecrest with colorful multi-layered geology (sandstone, limestone, siltstone, shale), sheer rock escarpments, deep narrow canyons, mesa tops, and badlands. Desert vegetation includes yuccas, cholla, prickly pear cacti, and ocotillo; spring wildflowers appear seasonally. Located north of Socorro, accessible from I-25 Escondida exit #152 via NM 408 and the Quebradas Backcountry Byway. Dispersed camping, hiking, photography, wildlife viewing, and stargazing are permitted in this wilderness study area.