Facility Rules and Policies

Alamosa & Monte Vista Refuge General Brochure
  • Refuge activities are permitted one hour before legal sunrise until one hour after legal sunset.
  • The 3-mile Wildlife Drive is open year round to automobiles, foot travel, horseback, and bicycling, including e-bikes.
  • The 4-mile out and back Rio Grande Nature Trail and 2-mile out and back Bluff Nature Trail are open to foot travel. Depending on snowfall, cross-country skiing and snow shoeing during winter months are permitted. Hikers and snowshoers are asked to be respectful of tracks set by skiers and hike to the side.
  • The Rio Grande Nature Trail is seasonally closed from April 15th to September 1st to protect the southwestern willow flycatcher, a federally endangered bird, during the breeding season.
  • Pets must be leashed, and their waste picked up.
  • Please stay on main trail path's.  Do not venture onto game trails or enter closed areas of the refuge.  When in doubt, contact refuge management for further guidance.  
Prohibited Activities
  • Traveling off of designated trails or roads.
  • Entering Closed Areas of the Refuge.
  • Camping and Fires.
  • Possession or consumption of alcohol while hunting.
  • Possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia while on all Federal property.
  • Unmanned aircraft systems, including drones.
  • Littering - including pet waste.
  • Searching for or removing cultural artifacts, fossils, or animal parts, including antler sheds.
  • Off-highway vehicles, such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs).
Fishing Regulations
  • State fishing regulations and licensing apply to the Refuge fishing area.
  • Fishing is only allowed within the designated fishing area. There are seasonal closure areas where fishing is closed from April 15th to September 1st to protect the southwestern willow flycatcher, a federally endangered bird, during the breeding season. For more information, see the Refuge's Hunting & Fishing brochure.  Alamosa Refuge Hunting & Fishing Brochure
  • Access to the fishing area must be from Parking Area #7 or from the Malm Trail. Do not trespass on private lands.
  • All personal property, including fishing line, bait containers, and other trash must be removed at the end of each day.
Hunting Regulations
  • Limited hunting is allowed on the Refuge in accordance with State regulations and Refuge specific regulations. Refer to the Refuge's Hunting & Fishing brochure for details.  Alamosa Refuge Hunting & Fishing Brochure