Jornada del Muerto Wilderness Study Area

The Jornada del Muerto WSA is located in the west-central part of New Mexico about 45 air miles south-southeast of Socorro. The WSA is almost entirely composed of lava flows that are characterized by lava tubes, sink holes, and pressure ridges. Many of these structures have been silted in by fine windblown sand and clay materials, which support a variety of grass species and soaptree yucca. This area is also home to many species of dark reptiles and a large population of bats that live in a lava tube extending from a crater.