Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects wetlands, grasslands, and desert about ten miles northeast of Roswell. The 24,563-acre refuge sits where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Great Plains, creating a unique oasis for hundreds of species of birds, fish, mammals, and insects. It is especially cool during migration season, when huge flocks of cranes, geese, and ducks gather around its shallow lakes and marshes.

An Oasis in the Desert

Bitter Lake looks out of place in the dry landscape surrounding Roswell. Springs, sinkholes, marshes, and the Pecos River create 1,200 acres of wetlands surrounded by grasslands, sand dunes, brush, and red-rimmed bluffs. That combination makes the refuge one of the most biologically diverse places in southern New Mexico. More than 350 bird species have been recorded here, and fall and winter can bring thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and migrating ducks. Bitter Lake is also famous for having more than 100 documented species of dragonflies and damselflies, making it one of the most diverse places for them in North America. Summer, particularly July and August, is the best time to see them.

Wildlife to Look For

• Birds: Sandhill cranes, snow and Ross’s geese, northern pintails, mallards, avocets, black-necked stilts, snowy plovers, least terns, herons, ibis, quail, and roadrunners.
• Mammals: Mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, and other desert mammals live throughout the refuge, although larger predators are rarely seen.
• When: Fall through early spring is best for cranes and waterfowl. Spring brings migrating songbirds, while summer is best for shorebirds, dragonflies, and damselflies.

Things to Do

• Drive the Wildlife Drive: Follow the eight-mile auto tour through wetlands, lakes, and sinkholes, with frequent places to stop and watch wildlife.
• Walk the short nature trails: Several easy trails leave from the visitor center or wildlife drive, including the Butterfly Nature Trail and Dragonfly Overlook Trail.
• Watch birds from the blinds: Stop at the Pajaro Observation Blind and other overlooks for closer views of waterfowl and shorebirds.
• Photograph the refuge: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light and generally the most wildlife activity.
• Explore farther north: The refuge also contains the 9,621-acre Salt Creek Wilderness, a much wilder section of grassland and desert north of the main visitor area.

How Much Time to Spend

An hour is enough to drive part of the wildlife loop and stop at a few overlooks, but two hours gives you time to explore the refuge at a more relaxed pace. Birders and photographers may want to stay longer, especially during fall and winter migration.

Getting There

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is about 10 miles northeast of Roswell. From town, follow US-380 east and turn north onto Red Bridge Road, then follow signs toward the visitor center.

The refuge is free to visit, and the main wildlife drive and trails are generally open from sunrise to sunset. It’s an easy half-day addition to a trip through Roswell.