angel peak recreation area

Lived in four corners area for two years and while could see the Peak from our window never made it out there until today. Probably the most breathtaking views in the area and from what we can see of the log book, vastly under-visited by the locals. While the road is a bit washboard rough for the first 1/2 mile the road after that is fine small gravel that appears well kept. Want to emphasize that many of the picnic sites are accessible as are the vault toilets (bring your own paper and wipes).Many clean, sturdy picnic casitas and fire rings for grilling are strategically set for expansive views at every turn. While there are no marked trails beyond short rock lined paths along the rim, there is enough openness that one can sight along the hoodoos and cliffs to find a way. The campground is a mix of well-spaced sites, of which some are large enough for a larger camper. Level wide sites could be accessible and baths are as well. There are clean (but not always papered) vault toilets at both picnic areas and campgound (primitive). Of course, not a drop of water beyond the snow clinging tenaciously to the north face will be found so be sure to BYOW and of course, leave this place cleaner than you found it.

Angel Peak is off of US Highway 550 about 15 miles south of Bloomfield. The turnoff is on to County Road 7175. This is a very well-maintained gravel road that will take you to the campground and the end of the road in about 7 miles. There are three picnic areas along the way to the top. The first of these is reached only a mile up the road which is the first place that the views start to open up of the badlands. Of course the reason to do this drive is the very impressive views of the vast badlands formations. The only thing distracting from these views are the many oil and gas wells scattered throughout. They are are noise as well as a visual annoyance, but tolerable when you consider the nation's need for energy. There are numerous places to stop and take a short walk and enjoy the view, but there are no major established hiking trails. The experience is hampered by trash left by thoughtless visitors. There are numerous vault toilets along the drive. The free campground is at the end of the road. It has a couple of sites that will accommodate larger RV's but it is primarily a tent campground. There is no water or dump station available, so, if you are camping, you will want to bring everything you need and haul everything back out. It is well worth a couple of hours to explore.

Want to hike away from it all? Come here and explore. You will see colors, formations, wildlife and such. You may not see another human in the park while you are there -- it doesn't get that many visitors and is over-looked for hiking/climbing.

We drove past the sign saying "scenic overlook" and I joked that unless the world drops off into a canyon, I can't imagine what would be over there to be scenic. We turned around to look just for something to do and I was forced to eat my words because that's exactly what happened; the world dropped off into a canyon and we were facing the most spectacular view of the Badlands I could ever imagine. The road was bumpy due to the construction trucks, but manageable and we only had a Volvo. There were restrooms, a shaded area with picnic tables and a constant breeze. I would be wary with small children as it is literally a drop off with no fencing but it does give you the opportunity to view different angles. Truly a breathtaking view of the Badlands.

I was finishing up a long road trip. Having just visited the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Glen Canyon and others, I thought the days of beautiful camping locations were behind me. What a lovely surprise when I made my way up to Angel Peak. Yes, the first part of the road is very bumpy, but then it smooths out. The campsites were very clean, nice tables, fire rings and plenty of spots to put your tent. I enjoyed just sitting, catching the breeze and reading my book. Bring water, food, firewood and a good book and stay a while! SO quiet. Never saw another person. It was very awesome!

Took the dirt road about 1 1/2 miles off the Highway between Bloomfield and Cuba. Road was so full of washboard bumps that it felt like you might loose any fillings on the way. All of a sudden the road ends on a mesa edge and it seems like the world just opened up. The badlands are laid out before you in a super fashion. Well worth the few moments it takes to get there and you really should go. The Painted Desert in Az. is similar in view but this is more unusual. 15 Minutes out of your day for a sight you will not forget.

We added this to our site list after discovering how close it was. Be prepared for a bumpy ride as the site route is gravel. The route has some great overlooks/stops at 1 mile, 3 miles, etc all the way out to 8 miles where the final campsite is located. Camping is free/first come first serve with no water or electricity and no park facilities. Still, if you are looking for some quiet isolation that comes with views it may fit the bill. It is closer to town than some of the Navajo Lake State Park camp sites being only 18 miles from Bloomfield which makes supply runs easier. Definitely a must see if you are in the area.

Made a stop here on the way to Colorado. No big signage pointing the way and a gravel road. You could see nothing from the main highway. We almost turned around but then decided to go just a little farther. We were so glad we did. A badlands style canyon. Nobody else around. Picnics tables, restrooms. Beautiful desolate place.

Down the simple gravel road is Angel Peak. The peak itself is a Mesa in the distance that can be seen as you approach the canyon area. Was truly surprised at how awesome the overlook was and was glad we took a few minutes out of our drive back to Albuquerque to see it. Beautiful scenery with no one around for miles. Simplicity at its best.

Hard to find. Have to travel 1/4 mile on a bumpy dirt road to get there but worth it for the view. Picnic tables and restroom also.

Great views all around! There was a variety of different plant life, we loved the beautiful flowers! It is a stop that I wouldn't miss if you are in the area and it doesn't take long to see. It's down a dirt road, but the road is a short drive.

You drive on a nondescript gravel road and then see this amazing badlands type of scenery. This is a perfect lunch spot because the picnic areas all have shade, tables and great views. At the last area, do not miss the short hike that takes you out to a point overlooking Angel Peak. This is a real treat, but you really can only spend an hour or so hear including lunch. Note: We did an excellent round trip from Farmington: Bisti in the morning, take the gravel road from Bisti to Route 550, which got us to Angel Peak around 1 or 1:30, then we were back in Farmington in late afternoon.

If peace and solitude are what you're after, this is the place. About 15 miles south of Bloomfield (go to Durango Joe's for coffee & free wifi), Angel Peak is part of the NM Bureau of Land Management, and is free for public use. The only facilities available are a covered pincic tables (in some areas) and restrooms. There is no water, there is no electricity, there is no phone. I spent three nights here, and went through about 8 liters of water. There is, however, a convenience store about a mile up the highway. There is plenty of open space, and the only noises you'll hear are the pumps from well sites. The only real complaint I have is that it got light so bloody early...

After visiting Chaco Canyon and Bisti, my sister and I still had a day left before leaving town and decided to visit Angel Peak. This site is less known than the others and not many people go there, but the canyon is impressive and we did a really fun hike from the last outlook point. It's a great place to have lunch or just enjoy the view. You don't need to spend all day there. The access road is gravel, but nothing like Chaco, so it is easy to get in and out. Definitely worth a stop over.

Was a rough drive plus once u get there its like an optical illusion cause ur far away. It great scenery but not much.