Angel Peak Scenic Area

Angel Peak is a banded sandstone mountain rising out of Kutz Canyon in the San Juan Basin, visible for miles across badlands and gas wells southeast of Bloomfield. The BLM’s Angel Peak Scenic Area features an overlook, three picnic areas, and a small free campground along five miles of canyon rim, all with wide views over the hills below. It’s a much easier and more accessible version of the badlands scenery that draws people to Bisti.

What to Do

The overlook parking area, right off the entrance road, gives you a great view. Angel Peak itself and the banded gray, tan, and rust-colored badlands of Kutz Canyon spread out below. From there, a gravel road follows the rim for about five miles, passing three developed picnic areas before ending at the campground, which has a short nature trail along the rim. Early or late in the day, low light brings out the color bands in the exposed San Jose and Nacimiento formation rock. The area sits in an active oil and gas field, so expect to see well pads and the occasional truck — stay on established roads and away from equipment.

How Much Time to Spend

The main overlook is worth 20 to 30 minutes if you’re just passing through. If you drive the full rim road, stop at the picnic areas, and walk the nature trail, plan on an hour or two. The campground makes a nice overnight stop if you’re already in the area.

Getting There

From Bloomfield, take US-550 south about 15 miles and turn east onto County Road 7175, following it a mile to the overlook parking area. A gravel rim road continues past the overlook to the campground and is usually passable for a normal car. There’s no drinkable water anywhere in the scenic area and cell service is minimal to nonexistent.

Angel Peak sits along US-550 between Bloomfield and the badlands wilderness areas farther south, so it’s an easy add if you’re already exploring the area.