 
Introduction to Otero Mesa
The Chihuahuan Desert extends southward from
New Mexico, Texas and Arizona into the Mexican Plateau and covers
an area of 250,000 square miles. Considered to be among the most
biologically rich and diverse desert eco-regions in the world,
the Chihuahan Desert can be compared to the Great Sandy Desert
of Australia or the Namib-Karoo in southern Africa.
Where is Otero Mesa?
Otero Mesa is just an hour's drive from El Paso and perhaps 90
minutes from Las Cruces or Alamogordo. More than 1.2 million acres
of Chihuahuan Desert grassland, Otero Mesa extends eastward from
the Hueco Mountains to the Guadalupe Mountains and north from
the Texas border into New Mexico.
What would I find there?
This vast and complex grassland is home to many species of wildlife,
native plants and independent cattle ranches that have been in
operation for generations.
What recreation is available?
Otero Mesa is a recreationist's
dream. Hiking, camping, birding, hunting, rock climbing, photography
and horseback riding are a few popular activities.
Is Otero Mesa a wilderness area?
Otero Mesa is not currently designated as Wilderness. However,
the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance
has surveyed the Greater Otero Mesa Area and identified over 520,000
acres suitable for Wilderness designation. But if it is turned
into a full-scale oil and gas field, Wilderness and much of the
wildlife that live there will be lost forever.
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