A Slot Canyon in New Mexico!

My first time camping on BLM land! When building the van, I had heard of BLM but didn’t really know what it was, how to find it, what the rules were on who/how to use it so this was my first time camping on the land. I was nervous but excited to try it.

This particular campsite was a bit hard to find - off the highway in the middle of the dessert and then about 10 miles down some dirt roads. The area all around was completely flat so I was skeptical that there would be an actual slot canyon in the middle of the desert but I kept driving. This site also did not have cell service so I told my parents where I would be and ventured in.

As I drove in I read the rules and understood that it was just free public land that I could use for up to 14 days and the only major rule was to leave no trace. I ventured further in the canyon and found a great spot right by a wall of the canyon. This is where I should mention, the road was gravel and sand and some of the spots were pretty deep with sand but I chose one that had a clear path to the parking spot.

When I left a few days later, I made a big mistake. I did not back up EXACTLY the way I drove in and got stuck (deep in sand and with no cell signal to call for help). Luckily, I have a shovel in the van so I started working on digging myself out. It was not working but luckily a kind couple stopped to help me. We dug and put rocks under the wheels but it did not work. Finally, we decided to use ratchet straps and have this couple try to pull me out. After a few tries we were successful and then I got stuck AGAIN (omg this was so embarrassing). The strangers again pulled me out of the sand and i just sat in the van contemplating all of my life choices that led to this moment in time. I also made a mental note to get track mats (rubber mats that you can put under your tires if you get stuck that will create some traction and will help you get out).

It was a small hiccup in an otherwise great time and I was so thankful for the strangers who helped me. One thing about being on the road is that MOST people are kind and good and willing to help you if you are in a pinch.