Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is a protected landscape along the Rio Grande north of Socorro. Covering about 230,000 acres, it is the largest national wildlife refuge in New Mexico and one of the largest in the lower 48 states (Alaska is basically one giant refuge). The refuge protects a mix of desert, grassland, woodland, river, and wetland habitats, although only a small portion is normally open to visitors.

Where Four Ecosystems Meet

Sevilleta is unusual because four major ecosystems meet within its boundaries: the Chihuahuan Desert, Colorado Plateau shrub-steppe, Great Plains shortgrass prairie, and piñon-juniper woodland. The Rio Grande runs through the center of the refuge, creating a green river corridor through an otherwise dry landscape. Together, these habitats support more than 1,200 plant species, 266 bird species, and 89 species of mammals. Much of Sevilleta is managed primarily for wildlife conservation and scientific research rather than recreation. For visitors, the main areas to explore are the trails around the visitor center, the refuge wetlands, and nearby San Lorenzo Canyon.

Wildlife to Look For

• Birds: Hawks, golden eagles, waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and other migratory species can be found across the refuge’s different habitats.
• Mammals: Pronghorn, mule deer, elk, coyotes, bobcats, badgers, black bears, and javelina have all been documented on the refuge.
• When: Spring and fall bring comfortable weather and active wildlife, while winter is especially good for waterfowl around the wetland units. Morning and evening offer the best chances of seeing larger animals.

Things to Do

• Walk the Nature Loop: The 1.1-mile trail near the visitor center crosses an arroyo and climbs onto higher ground with broad views across the refuge.
• Explore the Wildflower Loop: This easy quarter-mile paved trail has views across the Rio Grande Valley and seasonal wildflowers.
• Climb the Mesa View Trail: The 3.8-mile route climbs onto the mesa west of the visitor center for bigger views of the Ladrones and surrounding desert.
• Visit the wetlands: Drive to Wetland Units A and B for waterfowl, songbirds, deer, and occasional elk. Walking is allowed along designated roads and levees.
• Explore San Lorenzo Canyon: The jointly managed canyon protects sandstone cliffs, caves, arches, and hoodoos and is one of the most scenic publicly accessible areas associated with the refuge.

How Much Time to Spend

In a single hour, you can visit the visitor center and walk the Nature Loop or Wildflower Loop. Two hours gives you time for a longer hike or a drive through the wetland units. If you also plan to visit San Lorenzo Canyon, give yourself half a day. The refuge itself is enormous, but the developed portion near the visitor center and wetlands is relatively small.

Getting There

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is about 20 miles north of Socorro and roughly 50 miles south of Albuquerque. From I-25, take Exit 169 and follow Refuge Road west for about a quarter mile to the visitor center and headquarters. There is no entrance fee. The refuge trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and you can park near the entrance and walk to the trails even when the main gate or visitor center is closed. The visitor center is generally open Wednesday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Restrooms are available inside during open hours.

Much of Sevilleta remains closed to general public access, so stay on designated roads and trails and obey all posted closure signs.