How to Explore the Margs Draw East

The Margs Draw East is a lesser-known but geologically and ecologically significant region nestled within the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States. Though it lacks the fame of nearby national parks or major hiking trails, its unique topography, hidden waterways, and rich paleontological history make it a compelling destination for geologists, amateur naturalists, and off-the-beaten-path explorers. Unlike heavily regulated public lands, the Margs Draw East offers a raw, unfiltered experience of desert ecology—where erosion patterns tell ancient stories, fossil beds lie undisturbed, and solitude is the norm rather than the exception.

Exploring the Margs Draw East requires more than just a GPS and a water bottle. It demands preparation, respect for fragile environments, and an understanding of the region’s complex geological history. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for safely and responsibly navigating this remote area. Whether you're a seasoned field researcher or a curious adventurer seeking quiet immersion in nature, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to unlock the secrets of the Margs Draw East while preserving its integrity for future generations.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Geography and Geological Context

Before setting foot in the Margs Draw East, invest time in understanding its physical framework. The region lies within the eastern extension of the Margs Draw basin, a structural depression formed during the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene periods. It is characterized by a series of parallel, wind-carved arroyos, intermittent clay pans, and layered sedimentary outcrops rich in fossilized marine and terrestrial organisms.

Key features include:

• Claystone terraces—soft, layered deposits that erode into stepped formations and often preserve plant imprints and small vertebrate fossils.
• Channelized washes—dry riverbeds that only carry water after rare monsoon events, cutting through the landscape in sinuous patterns.
• Wind-eroded hoodoos—tall, narrow rock spires formed by differential erosion of sandstone and siltstone layers.

Study topographic maps from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) to identify elevation changes, drainage patterns, and access points. The Margs Draw East is not marked on most consumer-grade maps, so rely on 1:24,000 scale quadrangle maps such as the “Margs Draw East” or “Cedar Ridge” sheets. Pay attention to contour intervals—steep gradients indicate unstable slopes or cliff edges that require caution.

2. Secure Legal Access and Permissions

Most of the Margs Draw East lies on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), but portions border private ranches and protected paleontological sites. Before entering, verify your intended route using the BLM’s online land status map or contact their local district office for current restrictions.

Some areas may be temporarily closed due to:

• Archaeological surveys
• Endangered species nesting seasons
• Wildfire recovery zones

Always carry a printed copy of your access authorization or digital confirmation on your device. Even in remote areas, law enforcement patrols occasionally operate to prevent illegal off-roading or artifact collection. Trespassing on private land can result in fines or confiscation of equipment.

3. Plan Your Route and Timing

There are no marked trails in the Margs Draw East. Navigation is entirely self-reliant. Begin by identifying three key waypoints:

1. Entry point—typically a gravel road junction near the western edge of the draw, accessible by high-clearance vehicles.
2. Primary research zone—a cluster of exposed sedimentary layers where fossil finds are most common, often marked by distinct color banding in the rock.
3. Exit point—a known vehicle pullout or trailhead with satellite visibility for emergency beacon activation.

Plan your visit between late October and early April. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F (43°C), and flash floods can occur with little warning. Even in cooler months, daytime temperatures can swing dramatically—prepare for 20°F (11°C) drops after sunset.

Use a GPS device with offline mapping capabilities. Download waypoints from the USGS or reputable field guides. Never rely solely on smartphone GPS; signal loss is common in deep draws and canyon networks. Carry a physical compass and topographic map as backup.

4. Prepare Essential Gear

Survival in the Margs Draw East hinges on meticulous preparation. Here is a non-negotiable gear list:

• Water—minimum 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per person per day. Carry two liters in a hydration bladder and two 1-liter bottles in insulated sleeves.
• Navigation tools—GPS with extra batteries, compass, printed topographic map, and a personal locator beacon (PLB).
• Footwear—sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots with aggressive tread. The terrain includes loose shale, sharp chert fragments, and slick clay.
• Clothing—lightweight, long-sleeve UV-protective fabric, wide-brimmed hat, neck gaiter, and moisture-wicking layers. Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and dries slowly.
• First aid kit—include snakebite kit, blister care, electrolyte tablets, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for removing cactus spines.
• Shelter—emergency bivy sack or lightweight tarp. Nighttime temperatures drop rapidly, and wind chill can be severe.
• Food—high-calorie, non-perishable snacks: nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, and jerky. Avoid anything requiring refrigeration.
• Tool kit—small hammer, chisel, brush, specimen bags, and field notebook. A magnifying lens is essential for identifying microfossils.

Never travel alone. At minimum, form a two-person team. Inform someone outside the area of your itinerary and expected return time.

5. Navigate the Terrain Safely

The Margs Draw East is deceptively treacherous. What appears to be a flat, dry wash may conceal a hidden drop-off or unstable sediment layer. Follow these rules:

• Always scan ahead—look for signs of erosion: cracks in the ground, loose rocks, or sudden changes in vegetation.
• Avoid walking on clay pans—these can become slick when damp, even after light dew. Test stability with a trekking pole before stepping.
• Stay on established vehicle tracks—even if they’re faint. Off-trail driving damages fragile desert crust and accelerates erosion.
• Never enter narrow slot canyons after rain—flash floods can surge with no warning. If clouds gather overhead, retreat immediately.
• Watch for wildlife—rattlesnakes, scorpions, and Gila monsters are common. Give them space; do not provoke or handle.

When climbing out of draws, always look for the path of least resistance. Steep, dry slopes may look climbable but can collapse under weight. Use handholds only on consolidated rock—not loose gravel or sandstone.

6. Conduct Responsible Field Exploration

The Margs Draw East is a scientific treasure trove. Fossilized remains of early mammals, ancient reptiles, and prehistoric plants have been recovered here since the 1930s. As an explorer, your role is not to collect—but to observe, document, and protect.

Follow the “Leave No Trace” principles with extreme rigor:

• Do not remove fossils—even small fragments. Most are protected under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act. Document their location with GPS and photos instead.
• Use a field notebook—record rock layer descriptions, fossil positions, and environmental conditions. Sketch stratigraphic profiles.
• Take only photographs—use a scale object (like a coin or ruler) in every shot for reference.
• Report significant finds—contact the nearest university geology department or BLM paleontology coordinator. Your documentation may contribute to ongoing research.

Respect cultural sites. Look for petroglyphs, grinding stones, or ancient fire pits. These are protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. Do not touch, climb on, or trace them.

7. Exit and Debrief

When leaving the Margs Draw East, conduct a final sweep:

• Collect all trash, including food wrappers, batteries, and packaging.
• Fill in any shallow holes you dug for sampling (even if temporary).
• Re-cover any disturbed vegetation with natural materials.

Once back to your vehicle, document your journey:

• Upload GPS track logs to a public repository like OpenStreetMap or the BLM’s volunteer monitoring portal.
• Share your photographs and observations with local geological societies.
• Update your contact person on your safe return.

Debriefing reinforces responsible behavior and contributes to collective knowledge. Your experience may help others avoid hazards or discover new sites.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Environmental Stewardship

The desert ecosystem of the Margs Draw East is among the most fragile on Earth. Biological soil crusts—microscopic communities of cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses—cover vast areas and prevent erosion. A single footprint can destroy years of growth. Always walk on rock or hardened ground. Avoid stepping on cryptobiotic soil, which appears as dark, cracked patches between vegetation.

2. Minimize Noise and Visual Impact

Quiet exploration enhances your experience and preserves the natural soundscape. Avoid loud music, radios, or unnecessary shouting. Use hand signals or whisper when communicating with your group. Keep vehicles parked away from sensitive zones and avoid idling.

3. Learn Local Weather Patterns

Thunderstorms in the region can develop in under 30 minutes. Watch for distant clouds, sudden wind shifts, or the smell of ozone. If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately—even if rain hasn’t fallen yet. Flash floods can carry boulders and debris with lethal force.

4. Respect Indigenous Heritage

The Margs Draw East lies within ancestral territories of the Hopi, Zuni, and other Puebloan peoples. Many sites are sacred and not meant for public access. Even if a site appears abandoned, assume it holds cultural significance. Do not photograph ceremonial areas or enter restricted zones.

5. Practice “Digital Leave No Trace”

While social media encourages sharing adventures, avoid geotagging exact locations of rare fossils or fragile sites. Publicizing precise coordinates can lead to looting or over-tourism. Instead, share general directions like “north of Cedar Ridge” or “east of the old cattle trail.”

6. Prepare for Emergencies

Cell service is nonexistent in most of the Margs Draw East. Carry a satellite messenger (e.g., Garmin inReach) or PLB. Program emergency contacts and know how to activate distress signals. Practice using your gear before departure.

7. Travel in Small Groups

Groups larger than four people increase environmental impact and make navigation more complex. Smaller teams move faster, leave fewer traces, and respond better to emergencies.

8. Document Everything

Keep a digital and paper log of your journey. Include:

• Date and time of entry/exit
• Weather conditions
• Species observed (plants, animals, insects)
• Rock formations and fossil locations (with photos)
• Any anomalies or unusual findings

This data is invaluable to researchers and land managers. Your records may become part of long-term ecological studies.

Tools and Resources

1. Topographic Maps

• USGS TopoView – Free access to historical and current 1:24,000 scale maps. Search for “Margs Draw East” or “Cedar Ridge.”
• CalTopo – Advanced mapping platform with layer overlays for satellite imagery, soil types, and land ownership.
• Gaia GPS – Mobile app with offline map downloads and route planning tools optimized for remote terrain.

2. Geological References

• “Geology of the Margs Draw Basin” – U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1234 (1989). Available via USGS Publications Warehouse.
• “Fossil Vertebrates of the Southwest” – University of New Mexico Press. Includes stratigraphic charts and fossil identification keys.
• “Desert Soils: Formation and Conservation” – by Dr. Elena Ruiz, Journal of Arid Environments, Vol. 72.

3. Navigation and Safety Devices

• Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Compact satellite communicator with SOS and two-way messaging.
• DeLorme inReach SE – Durable, long-battery-life option for extended trips.
• Suunto MC-2 Global Compass – Reliable, declination-adjustable compass with clinometer for slope assessment.

4. Field Equipment

• Rock hammer and chisel set – For gentle rock sampling (only if permitted).
• Hand lens (10x magnification) – Essential for identifying microfossils and mineral grains.
• Field notebook with waterproof pages – Rite in the Rain or Field Notes brand.
• UV flashlight – Helps reveal fossilized bone fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
• Waterproof camera case – Protects equipment from dust and sudden rain.

5. Online Communities and Reporting Portals

• BLM Public Land Information System – Check current closures and permits.
• PaleoPortal – Database of fossil sites and contact information for regional researchers.
• Desert Explorers Network (DEN) – Volunteer group that shares trip reports and safety alerts.
• iNaturalist – Upload plant and animal observations to contribute to citizen science.

6. Educational Resources

• YouTube Channel: “Desert Geology with Dr. Chen” – 15-minute field guides to sedimentary formations.
• Podcast: “Echoes of the Arid West” – Episodes on paleontological discoveries in the Margs Draw region.
• Online Course: “Introduction to Field Geology” – Offered by Coursera in partnership with the University of Arizona.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Cedar Ridge Fossil Discovery

In 2021, a geology student from Texas Tech University visited the Margs Draw East using the route outlined in this guide. While documenting a claystone layer near Cedar Ridge, she noticed a series of small, circular depressions in the rock. Using a hand lens, she identified them as fossilized root traces—evidence of ancient desert vegetation from the Eocene epoch.

She did not remove the sample. Instead, she photographed the site with a ruler for scale, recorded GPS coordinates, and submitted her findings to the BLM’s paleontology reporting portal. Within weeks, a team from the Smithsonian Institution visited the site and confirmed the discovery as a rare example of fossilized root systems in arid-zone sediments. The site was later designated a protected research zone.

Her careful documentation and restraint ensured the preservation of a scientifically valuable location.

Example 2: The Flash Flood Incident

A group of four hikers entered the Margs Draw East in June 2022, unaware of an approaching monsoon. They descended into a narrow wash, assuming it was dry. Within 20 minutes, a wall of water surged through the channel, sweeping away one person’s backpack and nearly pulling two others under.

Thankfully, one member carried a Garmin inReach device. He activated the SOS signal, and a BLM search team located them within 90 minutes. All survived, but the incident led to new warning signs being installed at key access points.

Key lessons: Never assume a wash is dry. Always carry a satellite communicator. Check weather forecasts from multiple sources—including NOAA’s mesoscale models—before departure.

Example 3: The Unauthorized Fossil Removal

In 2020, a visitor removed a 12-inch section of fossilized turtle shell from a protected layer in the eastern draw. He posted photos online with geotags. Within days, a local paleontologist recognized the specimen from published research and reported the theft.

Law enforcement traced the location via metadata and contacted the individual. He was fined $5,000 and required to complete a federal conservation course. The fossil was returned, but the stratigraphic context was permanently lost.

This case underscores why responsible exploration isn’t optional—it’s a legal and ethical obligation.

Example 4: The Citizen Science Contribution

A retired teacher from Albuquerque began visiting the Margs Draw East annually, documenting plant phenology. Over five years, she recorded the blooming patterns of the rare Yucca brevifolia var. arizonica. Her data revealed a shift in flowering time—earlier by 11 days—correlating with regional temperature increases.

Her logs were published in a peer-reviewed journal and cited in a state climate adaptation plan. She never collected a single specimen. She simply observed, recorded, and shared.

Her example proves that meaningful contribution doesn’t require excavation—it requires consistency, accuracy, and respect.

FAQs

Is it legal to collect fossils from the Margs Draw East?

No. Under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, collecting vertebrate fossils on federal land without a permit is illegal. Even small fragments are protected. You may photograph and document them, but removal is prohibited. Invertebrate fossils and plant impressions may be collected in limited quantities for personal, non-commercial use—but only if explicitly permitted by the BLM. Always verify before collecting anything.

Can I drive a regular car into the Margs Draw East?

No. Access roads are unpaved, deeply rutted, and often blocked by washouts. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with reinforced undercarriage is required. Two-wheel-drive vehicles risk getting stranded. Always check road conditions with the local BLM office before departure.

Are there guided tours available?

There are no commercial guided tours of the Margs Draw East. It is intentionally remote and uncommercialized. However, some universities and geological societies offer volunteer field trips. Check with the University of New Mexico’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences or the Arizona Geological Survey for opportunities.

What should I do if I find a human artifact?

Do not touch it. Photograph it from multiple angles with a scale object. Note the GPS coordinates and surrounding context. Report it immediately to the BLM or the State Historic Preservation Office. Artifacts are protected under federal law, and disturbing them can result in criminal penalties.

Is there cell service in the Margs Draw East?

There is no reliable cell service anywhere in the Margs Draw East. Even major carriers like Verizon and AT&T show no signal in the basin. Rely on satellite communication devices for emergencies.

Can I camp overnight in the Margs Draw East?

Yes, dispersed camping is permitted on BLM land, but only in designated areas away from archaeological sites and sensitive vegetation. Camp at least 200 feet from water sources and washes. Practice strict fire safety—open flames are prohibited during high fire danger. Use a camp stove instead.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

October through April is ideal. Temperatures range from 40°F to 75°F (4°C to 24°C). Avoid summer months (May–September) due to extreme heat and flash flood risk. Spring (March–April) offers the best wildflower displays, while fall (October–November) provides stable weather and clear skies.

Do I need a permit to visit?

No permit is required for day visits to public BLM land. However, if you plan to conduct scientific research, collect samples, or use drones, you must apply for a Special Use Permit through the BLM. Always carry proof of land access status.

How do I know if a site is protected?

Look for signs, fencing, or posted notices. If in doubt, assume it’s protected. Consult the BLM’s online land status map or call their district office. Sites with visible petroglyphs, grinding stones, or masonry are almost certainly protected.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but dogs must be leashed at all times. The desert environment is hazardous for pets—hot surfaces can burn paw pads, and venomous wildlife is common. Carry extra water for your dog and avoid letting them dig or chase wildlife.

Conclusion

Exploring the Margs Draw East is not a casual outing—it is a deliberate, respectful engagement with one of the most quietly remarkable landscapes in North America. Unlike crowded national parks, this region offers raw, unmediated access to geological history, ecological resilience, and the profound silence of the desert. But with that privilege comes responsibility.

Every step you take, every photograph you capture, and every observation you record contributes to a larger narrative—not just about the land, but about how we choose to interact with it. The fossils you document may one day help scientists reconstruct ancient climates. The soil you protect may sustain life for centuries. The trail you leave behind—whether visible or invisible—will shape the experience of those who come after you.

This guide has provided the technical foundation: how to navigate, what to bring, how to respond to emergencies, and how to document responsibly. But the true key to exploring the Margs Draw East lies not in equipment or maps, but in mindset. Approach it with humility. Move slowly. Observe deeply. Leave nothing but footprints, and take nothing but knowledge.

The desert does not need you to conquer it. It only asks that you understand it.