Visit Wilderness

Dome Wilderness seems dwarfed by the adjacent Bandelier Wilderness, but sometimes the best gifts come in small packages. In this case, be prepared for primitive canyonlands and prehistoric ruins (and take care not to disturb the latter). You'll also find an abundance of wildflowers and strawberries in spring.

From high points near Saint Peters Dome you'll be able to see all the way east to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and south to the Cochiti Lake region, the Sandia and Manzano mountains. Elevations peak at 8,200 feet, then drop to 5,800 feet at Sanchez Canyon.

The Saint Peters Dome Trail (6.1 miles) gives access to this Wilderness, starting on the north end near the Dome Lookout and losing elevation as it runs south past canyon walls and through stands of large pines, then across Sanchez Creek, a fishless stream that endures periods of extremely low water.

The Capulin Trail (two miles) also begins in the northern portion of the area and ends at the Bandelier National Monument Boundary.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Dome Wilderness.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Rules & Regulations

Contacts