Flight Deck to be closed

The Flight Deck will be closed starting about June 5, 2023 through June 30, 2023. It will be replaced with an earthen mound approximately the same size and orientation. 

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in San Antonio, Socorro County, New Mexico. Situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the 57,331 acre Bosque del Apache was established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover site for migrating waterfowl. The refuge is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. Over 30,000 acres of Bosque del Apache are designated wilderness.
Ranger-led Program Schedule for May

Join a ranger for a program in May 2023! 

Latest News

Aerial view of a small island with sand and green vegetation on it, surrounded by deep blue water
Get Involved
A Beginner’s Guide to the National Wildlife Refuge System
Not quite sure what the National Wildlife Refuge System is and all that it encompasses? This primer gives a quick overview.
Six river otters walk out on the frozen surface of a river in winter at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Winter Scenes
Here are some natural sights to look for in winter at national wildlife refuges.
a large flock of sandhill cranes in front of a lone tree in a wetland
Climate Change
Reshaping Bosque del Apache for a climate-ready future
Recent drought challenges are an opportunity for improvement at the refuge’s most iconic seasonal wetland.
Four tan-black-and-white birds with long gray bills probing sand for food at the beach
Recreation
Where the Birds Are
For experienced birders and newbies alike, national wildlife refuges are wonderful places to see birds in natural habitat. Visitor services specialist Mike Carlo shares his mental list of refuges across the country that are well suited to people of varying birding experience.
Large numbers of snow geese fly out at sunrise into an orange sky reflected in the water below at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Wildlife Wonders
Bird Festival Planner
For a wonderful nature show, it’s hard to beat a bird festival. Some of the best bird fests occur at or near national wildlife refuges. That’s not surprising, given that these public lands are such birdy places.
Bighorn sheep block cars on the road at National Elk Refuge in Wyoming.
Recreation
Great Drives on National Wildlife Refuges
Here’s a sampling of some super refuge drives that offer a chance to see birds and other wildlife.
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Visit Us

​​​​​At Bosque del Apache, seasonal wildlife attracts visitors from around the world to participate in wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and interpretation. Additional opportunities for environmental education, hunting, and fishing may also be seasonally available.  

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is located in San Antonio, Socorro County, New Mexico. Situated between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east, the 57,331 acre Bosque del Apache was established in 1939 to provide a critical stopover site for migrating waterfowl. The refuge is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who winter here each year. Over 30,000 acres of Bosque del Apache are designated wilderness.  

      What We Do

      Our Species

      Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is well known as an overwintering location for thousands of cranes, ducks, and geese. Additionally, Bosque del Apache is a year-round or seasonal home for four threatened or endangered species.