Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings.
The other Las Vegas! What happens here, stays with you! Come rejuvenate your soul by enjoying nature at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, located in the State of New Mexico, Land of Enchantment! Enjoy hiking trails, and an 8 mile scenic auto tour loop drive. The views are magnificent at this beautiful Refuge! What happens here, you will want to share with Everyone!
Driving Directions
The refuge is located about six miles southeast of Las Vegas, New Mexico. From Interstate 25, take exit #345 and then turn east on State Highway 104 for one and a half miles. Turn south on State Highway 281 for about four miles and follow the signs to the refuge headquarters.
The lat/long for the refuge’s headquarters is 35.508282, -105.167123.
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at a vault toilet in the headquarters parking lot.
What to Do
If you have 15-minutes:
- The 0.5 mile, short, self-guided Meadowlark nature trail is an ADA loop at the refuge headquarters. The trail meanders through short-grass prairie, around an acequia (a traditional water delivery canal), wetland, and a wooded wind shelter belt area with opportunities to see diverse bird life. This trail includes interpretive signs designed to enhance your experience.
If you have one hour:
- Driving the eight-mile horseshoe loop along CR 22C and Hwy 281 allows visitors to enjoy scenic views and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in a diversity of habitats, including ponds, lakes, marshes, grasslands, cottonwood stands and brush thickets.
If you have half a day or more.
- The Gallinas Nature Trail (1.75 miles) is a self-guided nature trail which meanders through fields of native grasses and wildflowers, past historic ruins, and descends approximately 250 feet into one of the many box canyons that surround the refuge.
Know Before You Go
Temperatures and weather close to the base of the Rocky Mountains can change quickly. Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellant, binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, telephoto lens, field guides (especially for birds), and snacks.
Check local weather to ensure you have dressed properly for the current season. It is recommended to always wear layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes and a hat.
Visitor Tips
- Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife.
- In warmer seasons, little is moving on hot summer afternoons or on windy days.
- Observe from the sidelines. Leave “abandoned” young animals alone. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave.
- Don’t offer snacks; your lunch could disrupt wild digestive systems.
- For a closer look, bring binoculars or a spotting scope and don't forget those field guides.
- Try sitting quietly in one good location. Let wildlife get used to your presence. Many animals that have hidden will reappear once they think you are gone.
- Walk quietly in designated areas, being aware of sounds and smells. Often you will hear more than you will see.
- Teach children quiet observation. Other wildlife watchers will appreciate your consideration.
- Look for animal signs. Tracks, scat, feathers, and nests left behind often tell interesting stories.
- Leave nothing behind and take only photographs.
Activities
The refuge provides a variety of activities such as archery, auto tours, biking, hiking, hunting, painting, photography, and wildlife watching. Stop by the visitors center or call for current activities on refuge.
Trails
Auto Tour Loop
Open Season: The loop is accessible year-round
Length: 8 miles
Location of trail: CR 22 and Hwy 281
Surface: Asphalt and dirt
Difficulty: Difficult to drive after rain.
The loop is accessible year-round, although occasionally some parts of County Road 22C become difficult to drive after heavy rain. Informational leaflets, including a map of the refuge and the bird species list, are available during office hours (Monday-Thursday, 8 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays from 8 am to 3:30 pm - if refuge staff are in) or outside the main entrance, at the kiosk. Due to a smaller staff, an employee may not be available within the hours above. You may call the refuge at 505-425-3581 to assure that a staff member is in.
Meadowlark Trail
Open Season: The trail is open from sunup to sundown 7 days a week
Length: 0.5 miles
Location of trail: Loop at the refuge headquarters
Surface: Crushed Fines, concrete, ADA accessible
Difficulty: ADA accessible
The Meadowlark Trail begins at the refuge office entrance gate. Visitors are welcome to walk the Prairie Trail at any time during daylight hours. If you are visiting the Refuge at a time when the office and entrance gate will be closed, please visit the kiosk located at the gate where you will find refuge brochures.
Gallinas Nature Trail
Open Season: The trail is open from sunup to sundown 7 days a week
Length: 1.75 miles
Location of trail: Southwest corner of Auto Tour Loop
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a self-guided nature trail which meanders through fields of native grasses and wildflowers, past historic ruins, and descends approximately 250 feet into one of the many box canyons that surround the refuge. As you descend into the canyon, you will find an oasis in this arid zone - a small seep, surrounded by vegetation, which provides habitat for an assortment of small fish, amphibians, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Continuing on the loop trail, on the western side of the canyon, enjoy being surrounded by the sweet smell of piñon, juniper and ponderosa. Along this walk, listen for the call of a canyon wren and keep a look out for wild turkey ahead or American kestrel up above
Other Facilities in the Complex
Rules and Policies
There are a lot of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities at Las Vegas National Refuge for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!
- Pets must be on a leash.
- Pits or permanent blinds are prohibited.
- Use caution when walking on roads. Yield to approaching vehicles.
- Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Young animals should be left alone.
- Help protect resources. All plants, wildlife, and cultural features on the refuge are protected and it is illegal to remove them.
- Open fires are prohibited.
- Hunting in designated areas only.
- Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations.
Locations
The refuge is located about six miles southeast of Las Vegas, New Mexico. From Interstate 25, take exit #345 and then turn east on State Highway 104 for one and a half miles. Turn south on State Highway 281 for about four miles and follow the signs to the refuge headquarters.
The lat/long for the refuge’s headquarters is 35.508282, -105.167123.