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

For centuries, travelers and historians have been captivated by the beautiful sights of Turkey’s Cappadocia region. With its unique terrain, and “fairy chimney” rock formations, the geology inspires wonder and intrigue. 

But while seeing the UNESCO World Heritage site up close and personal is incredible, travelling to Turkey is also a hike. Fortunately, there’s an equally-stunning alternative closer to home where travelers can explore dramatic rock formations and all they have to do is get to New Mexico.

Located in northeastern New Mexico near the famed Four Corners, the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area has captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts for its gorgeous wave rocks and hoodoos and stunning resemblance to Turkey’s Cappadocia.

The land is free to access and open year-round, according to the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management

“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.”

When visiting, hikers and campers are advised to bring their own water sources since there is no potable water there. There is also very little shade and temperatures are known to be quite high. That said, most travelers visit in the late spring or early summer as well as in the fall, the bureau noted.

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.

Despite the challenging terrain, the region remains popular among hikers and backpackers. Outdoor enthusiasts on AllTrails rated the Bisti Badlands Trail within the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area a 4.6 with more than 1,900 reviews.”Amazing, otherworldly scenery!” one AllTrails user shared in a five-star review earlier this year.

On Reddit, other travelers have described the wilderness area as “the most alien landscape I have ever seen.”

Travelers looking to explore the area can reach it from several different airports—like the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) or the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)—but should be prepared to drive a few hours to get to the rock formations.