America’s Most Stunning Places You Likely Haven’t Heard Of

The Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, is a place of diverse and stunning landscapes that can take your breath away. Yeah, everyone knows about White Sands and Carlsbad Caverns. But what about the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area? Ever heard of it? Didn’t think so. Tucked away in San Juan County, near Farmington, this hidden gem sprawls across 45,000 acres. No entrance fee. Open 24/7. Sounds too good to be true, right? It’s like a secret club, but without the exclusivity.

Designated in 1984, the wilderness area is a playground of eroded badlands, with bizarre rock formations and vivid colors that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. The name comes from Navajo origins, meaning “a large area of shale hills” and “standing cranes.” And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to explore a place with a name that sounds as mysterious as it looks?

A sci-fi playground of eroded badlands and mysterious Navajo-named formations awaits your exploration.

For the brave souls venturing into this alien landscape, various activities await. Photography, hiking, stargazing. Oh, and don’t even think about lighting a campfire. You’ll just have to enjoy the natural light show instead. The Bisti Badlands Trail stretches 4.7 miles with a slight elevation gain. Not the kind of place you’d want to get lost in, so maybe bring that offline map they suggest.

Wildlife? Sure, it’s got that too. Coyotes, badgers, and even prairie dogs scampering about. A partial skeleton of a tyrannosaur, the Bisti Beast, was even discovered here. It’s like walking through a prehistoric museum, minus the velvet ropes and ‘Do Not Touch’ signs.

If you’re planning a trip, aim for spring, early summer, or fall. Bring water, lots of it. Directions are straightforward: New Mexico Highway 371, then a gravel road. Simple, but not fancy.

And if wandering around on your own sounds intimidating, Navajo Tours offers guided adventures. But where’s the fun in that?

In a world full of overrated tourist traps, Bisti/De-Na-Zin stands out as America’s most beautiful place you’ve never heard of. Until now.