Aldo Leopold Wilderness Area Trails

In 1976, an article in the Denver Post Empire Magazine called the Black Range “the Wildest Wilderness in the West.” One would hate to get into wilderness one-upmanship, but the Black Range, which includes much of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, is indeed wild and nothing has happened since 1976 to diminish this. Mention to most New Mexicans, even hikers, that you’re going backpacking in the Black Range of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, and you’re likely to hear, after a brief pause, “Where is that?” Curious, as the Aldo Leopold is the state’s third largest wilderness, only slightly smaller than the Pecos Wilderness and more than three times larger than number four. Curious, as the Black Range, stretching 100 miles north to south, is the state’s largest mountain range. Hiking in this vast and interesting wilderness is limited only by poor access sometimes to trailheads. For this reason, this wilderness is best explored by persons prepared for multi-day trips. This trail guide covers an area with approximately 200 miles of trails.