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Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, San Antonio, NM

Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

1001 State Highway 1 · San Antonio, NM

Why you should go…

Bosque del Apache is a 57,331-acre national wildlife refuge along the Rio Grande, established in 1939 as a stopover for migrating waterfowl. Tens of thousands of cranes, geese and ducks winter here each year, and you can watch them from a scenic drive of about 12 miles or from twelve nature trails. Dawn and dusk tend to be the liveliest times for wildlife all year. Start at the visitor center on State Highway 1 for maps and water refills.

  • #wildlife refuge
  • #birdwatching
  • #sandhill cranes
  • #scenic drive
  • #nature trails

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Attractions
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    Very Large Array

    Under $25

    Tour the famous radio telescope array's visitor center and walk out to the base of its giant dish antennas.

    30 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions