This Surreal Wilderness Is Called the 'Most Alien Landscape' in the U.S.-and It's a Domestic Dupe for Turkey's Cappadocia

""The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a rolling landscape of badlands which offers some of the most unusual scenery found in the Four Corners Region," the Bureau of Land Management wrote about the area. "Time and natural elements have etched a fantasy world of strange rock formations made of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt.""

"There are a few things to keep in mind when you go: the wilderness area is closed to motorized vehicles and travelers cannot start campfires, climb on the delicate geologic features, or trespass on the adjacent tribal lands. Pets are allowed, but must be on a 6-foot leash. And there is a stay limit of 14 days, according to the bureau."

The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness lies in northeastern New Mexico near the Four Corners and features wave rocks, hoodoos, and unusual badlands that resemble Turkey’s Cappadocia. The landscape consists of interbedded sandstone, shale, mudstone, coal, and silt shaped by time and natural elements. Land access is free and open year-round, but there is no potable water on site and little shade, so visitors must bring water and prepare for high temperatures. Popular visiting seasons are late spring, early summer, and fall. Motorized vehicles, campfires, climbing on formations, and trespassing on adjacent tribal lands are prohibited; pets must be leashed and stays limited to 14 days.

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