Nature
Mount Riley Wilderness is an 8,382-acre protected wilderness in southern New Mexico within Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument, managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Established in 2019, it occupies the eastern end of the West Potrillo Mountains and borders the East Potrillo Mountains. Its defining features are three shield volcanoes that rise sharply from the Chihuahuan Desert floor. Cox Peak, at 5,930 feet, is the highest point in both the wilderness and the Potrillo Mountain Complex, while Mount Riley reaches 5,905 feet. The area is important for preserving this stark volcanic desert landscape as part of the monument’s wilderness system.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
New Mexico · United States