Bitterlake National Wildlife Refuge
Southwest Region
"Conserving the Nature of America"
 
  recreation activities at Bitterlake NWR
  Photo credit: USFWS
   
  Hikers at Bitter Lake  NWR
   
  hunter
   
  muledeer
   
  Endangered species tour

Recreation

General

Bitter Lake NWR offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The refuge is open year round during daylight hours (dawn to dusk). No entrance fee is required. Joseph R. Skeen Visitor Center (Visitor Center) hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Restroom facilities are available at the Visitor Center during open hours and are also available on the wildlife drive.

Hiking

Four short (less than 0.5 miles each) and two longer (1.5 - 4 miles) hiking trails are available adjacent to the wildlife drive or Refuge headquarters. Also the entire north tract (12,160 acres) of the refuge, including the wilderness area, is open to hiking and horseback riding.

Description of Trails.pdf

Hunting

Waterfowl, sandhill crane, quail, dove, pheasant and deer hunting are available at the refuge. Contact the refuge for updated hunting regulations and season dates at (575) 622-6755 or by e-mailing Steve Alvarez at steve_alvarez@fws.gov.

Hunting Regulations.pdf

Public Hunting Areas (567KB, .pdf)

Hunt Seasons (.pdf)

Fishing

Fishing is prohibited at Bitter Lake NWR to protect rare native fish.

Wildlife Observation & Photography

The refuge offers excellent nature photography and wildlife viewing opportunities. The eight-mile wildlife drive is one of the best ways to observe wildlife. If you enjoy dragonfly watching, try taking the short Dragonfly Trail less than one mile on the wildlife drive.

Bicycling

Bike riding is permitted on the eight-mile gravel wildlife drive or the refuge's paved four mile (round trip) bike trail.

Guided Tours

Endangered species tours are regularly scheduled from October through May on the first Saturday of each month. These special tours take visitors into areas normally closed to the public to be shown some of the unique sinkholes and springs protected by the refuge. Reservations required.

 

Friends of Bitter Lake NWR.

 

 

blue goose refuge logo with links to brochure, species lists, refuge maps, plans
Last updated: September 21, 2009
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