Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge protects 570 acres of former farmland in Albuquerque’s South Valley, just east of the Rio Grande. Established in 2012, the refuge is gradually transforming old agricultural fields into wetlands, grasslands, and expanded bosque habitat. It’s an easy place to walk, watch birds, and see a major habitat restoration project taking shape inside the city!

The Southwest’s First Urban Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro was established as the first urban national wildlife refuge in the Southwest. Rather than protecting an untouched landscape, the refuge began largely as farmland and is being re-wilded over time with cottonwoods and willows gradually replacing sections of old fields. Trails wind through both completed restoration areas and landscapes that are still changing.

Wildlife to Look For

• Birds: Sandhill cranes, American kestrels, ducks, other migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and a variety of raptors use the refuge throughout the year.
• Mammals: Coyotes, bats, and smaller mammals live around the refuge and neighboring bosque but due to proximity to the city, they are scarce.
• When: Fall and winter are best for sandhill cranes and migratory birds. Mornings and evenings have the most wildlife activity.

Things to Do

• Walk the Pond Loop: Circle the quarter-mile trail around the refuge’s education pond, with interpretive signs and places to watch birds and insects.
• Explore the longer loops: The one-mile Mural Loop and 1.5-mile North Field Loop cross the former agricultural fields and restoration areas.
• Walk toward the bosque: The 2.5-mile Bosque Loop passes thousands of planted cottonwoods and willows and connects with trails along the Rio Grande.
• Go to the visitor center: Learn how the refuge is transforming former farmland into native habitat and check out current restoration projects.
• Watch for cranes: Sandhill cranes frequently use the South Valley during fall and winter and can sometimes be seen feeding or flying across the refuge.

How Much Time to Spend

About 45 minutes is enough to visit the visitor center and walk one of the loops. Plan on 90 minutes if you want to explore the North Field or other restoration areas at a relaxed pace. If you wanted to connect to the Bosque trail system, you could walk all day.

Getting There

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is in Albuquerque’s South Valley at 7851 2nd Street SW. The entrance is directly off 2nd Street, with parking at the visitor center. There is no public driving access beyond the visitor center parking lot, the refuge is explored on foot or bicycle. The entrance gate is generally open from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset each day. The visitor center is currently open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM and pets are allowed on designated trails.