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01/06

Aerial view of colorful abstract vistas, Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, New Mexico, USA.

The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness area is a landscape of badlands with unusual rock formations. Seen from the air, this area offers an incredible variety of abstract vistas. San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

Aerial view of badlands, Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA.

The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness area was established in 1984, it is administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The entire area, which covers a surface of 182km2 (75.3 sq. mi.), is comprised of sedimentary rock with sandstone, mudstone, shale and coal. San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

Aerial view of black and red badlands, Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA.

The clay layer, either pale or red, overlying the seam of coal is a “clinker.” This type of metamorphosed rock was formed when an ancient underground coal fire had seared the overlying rock, they can be natural occurrences and can burn for decades. San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

Aerial view of black and red mounds, badlands at Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, United States.

Amazing from the sky, it is equally so for those hiking in this surreal landscape. They are no hiking trails but anyone can wander here and there to come across some weirdly shaped hoodoos and other geological formations. When walking on the red rock, it produces a distinctive clink, hence the name clinker for that layer. San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

Aerial view of a coal seam in badlands, Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, United States.

The omnipresent seam of coal is a great contributor to add more visual impact to this seldom visited site. San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

Aerial view of a truck in a desertic landscape, Bisti De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, United States.

A truck on Highway 371 crosses the barren landscape of the Bisti Badlands. The elevation of Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness area goes from 1750 to 2000 meters (5,740 to 6,560 feet). San Juan County, New Mexico, United States.

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