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Plan Your Visit

Sunset reflection in waterWelcome to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Visitor Center

 

Here, volunteers are available to provide you with a map and will let you know what is happening on the refuge. Displays in the visitor center explain habitat management and introduce you to the wildlife that call the refuge home. A nature store with field guides, checklists, and nature themed gifts will help enhance your visit. The attached headquarters offices are where the business of the refuge is conducted. Accessible restroom facilities are located in the building to the west, and are open concurrently with the visitor center.

 

Fall, Winter, and Spring Hours: September 1st through May 31st


  •  Daily – 8am to 4pm. 

Summer Hours - June, July, and August:


  •  Thursday - Monday 8am to 4pm. 
 

*The visitor center is closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and the Fourth of July and on Tuesday and Wednesdays during June, July, and August. The Visitor Center may close early on the day before the above and other federal holidays. Please call the visitor center to learn of other closures. The auto tour loop remains open with associated fees..

 
 
 
  

The Refuge

 
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge offers many opportunities to enjoy wildlife-dependent activities, including wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography and more. The refuge’s nature trails and the auto tour loop are accessible all year. Check out the visitor activities and plan your visit sections of our website for more information. Camping is not allowed on any part of the refuge.
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Auto Tour Route:

  •  The tour loop is (approximately) 12 miles long, bisected by a two way road. Please observe one-way directional signs. 
  •  The tour loop is open every day from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. 
  •  We do not allow unpermitted access in closed areas. This includes walking, biking, or driving. Please observe posted signs.  
  •  Please drive carefully on gravel roads and stay on designated roads and turnouts.  
  •  Auto Tour Loop roads are wide, so pull over to allow others to pass safely. 
  •  The speed limit is 25 mph. 
  •  Restroom facilities are available on the auto tour loop, concurrently with hours the tour loop is open. 
  •  Potable water is not available on the tour loop. 

Trails:

  •  All trails are open every day from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Please check out the Hiking Trails section of our website to learn more. 
  •  Leashed pets are seasonally allowed on trails. During any time of the year, you may have your pet securely in your vehicle. 

Parking:

  •  The visitor center parking lot can accommodate motor homes as well as cars. You are welcome to unhitch and use your tow vehicle on the Auto Tour Loop but it is not required.
  •  Parking is available at each of the trailheads.
  •  Prepare for vehicles ahead of you to stop suddenly – most likely a visitor is watching an interesting bird or other wildlife.  

 
 

Directions

  •  From the north (Socorro, NM), drive south on I-25 to exit 139 (San Antonio), go east 0.25 miles on US 380 to the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn right onto Old Highway 1, and drive south nine miles to the Visitor Center (on right). 
  •  From the south (Las Cruces, NM), drive north on I-25 to exit 124 (San Marcial), go east on the dirt road 1.5 miles, then north on Old Highway 1 to the visitor center (on left).
  • The lat/long to the visitor center is 33.804777, -106.890917. 
 
Page Photo Credits — Sunset reflection in water
Last Updated: Sep 08, 2016
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