It was created as a resting place for birds migrating during the winter. During certain times of the year, you will find a wide variety of birds visiting the site such as cranes, geese and ducks

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  • What: The Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
  • Where: two-hour drive from Rio Rancho in San Antonio, Socorro County, New Mexico
  • Cost: $5

 

Bonnie Dismore

A new adventure awaits every week. This week, I decided to check out The Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which is in San Antonio, Socorro County, New Mexico.

It is about a two-hour drive from Rio Rancho. The refuge is a great scenic area full of nature. It was created as a resting place for birds migrating during the winter. During certain times of the year, you will find a wide variety of birds visiting the site such as cranes, geese and ducks.

Once you arrive, there is a wildlife visitor center, public bathrooms, picnic area and desert arboretum trail. Currently, the visitor center and the drinking fountains are inaccessible. The trails, picnic areas, and outdoor areas are still open to the public. The Desert Arboretum Trail is a quick stroll along the sidewalks and arches around the area. There are many birds, lizards, dragonflies, and bees thriving along this trail.

At your next stop, you will want to follow the road that leads you to The Tour Loop. There are signs leading towards the refuge.

Upon arrival, there is a self-service pay station. At this location, there is a $5 fee. The roads ahead are dirt roads, and they lead to the North Loop, South Loop and the Flight Deck. There is also the option to walk along the Elmendorf Trail which leads to the Boardwalk. As for The Flight Deck, it is also a popular spot because of the lookout bridge with a beautiful scenic view. The landscape is made up of beautiful wetlands with views between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east.

Lastly, if you want to walk one of the trails, I recommend the Rio Viejo Trail. It is a paved walkway and is in a restored cottonwood bosque. You can find this trail at the end of The South Tour Loop where it joins at the East-West Road. The trails here are short and great for beginners.

If you are not one to hike,  you have the option of driving around and taking a tour of the wetlands. The refuge is an amazing day trip with gorgeous trails, overlook decks, green wetlands and an immersion in nature. It is one spot this spring that you will not want to miss.

Links: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service : https://www.fws.gov/refuge/bosque-del-apache/about-us