Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness: A Prehistoric Gallery of Hoodoos and Fossils

Why It Stands Out

The geology here is a complex layering of sandstone, shale, and bituminous coal that dates back million years. Over ,Bisti Badlands millennia, the relentless forces of ice, wind, and water have carved the earth into a maze of "fairy chimneys," "tent rocks," and "earth pyramids." These formations are similar to the ones found at the Bisti Badlands.

While the shapes are mesmerizing, the ground beneath your feet is equally significant. This area is a prolific graveyard of the Cretaceous era, where the fossilized remains of ancient crocodiles, turtles, and dinosaurs are embedded in the soil.

You will also find numerous upright petrified tree stumps, their roots still frozen in a prehistoric pose, though visitors must remember that collecting any fossils or petrified wood is strictly prohibited.

Before You Go

Accessing this ,-acre Bureau of Land Management site requires preparation, as it is located roughly miles from the nearest major highway with almost no cell service. The journey involves navigating miles of unpaved roads; specifically, travelers should take US to Nageezi, turning onto Road and then .

Avoid Road , as it is notoriously treacherous. The terrain is generally flat and the most striking formations are located within two miles of the parking area, making for an easy half-day trek.

However, the clay-heavy soil becomes extremely slick and impassable when wet, so check the weather forecast carefully before heading out.

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