Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge

Archery is not allowed on the refuge, unless during a special event with our refuge staff. Our archery trailer is equipped with bows and targets for all ages; to learn more reach out to our staff.

Open Season: The loop is accessible year-round 

Length: 8 miles

Location: CR 22 and Hwy 281 

Surface: Asphalt and dirt 

Difficulty: Difficult to drive after rain. 

The loop is accessible year-round,...

Biking is allowed on the refuge along the auto tour loop of New Mexico Highway 281 (Paved) and the County Road C22C (Gravel).

Birds on the refuge will nest, overwinter, and migrate on the refuge! Be ready for observations throughout the year as uses by different species and population occur at different times of the year. Standout times are in the spring and fall when migratory waterfowl arrive and stay on the refuge...

The refuge offers two hiking trails open from sunrise to sunset. The Meadowlark Nature Trail is a short hike around our Visitor Center on a combination of concrete and crushed fines to see some of the refuge playa lakes and prairies. The Gallinas Nature Trail is a longer hike on a mowed dirt...

Waterfowl looking for a resting place in New Mexico need reliable water. That's why Las Vegas NWR has created permanent lakes, ponds and marshes throughout its lands. These wetland areas, located where shallow depression wetlands have traditionally occurred, are...

Painting and drawing are wonderful pastimes to mark the seasonal changes on the refuge. Visitors can utilize the Crane Lake Overlook, Gallinas Nature Trail Parking Lot, and the area around the Visitor Center. Usage of these areas are permitted during open refuge hours. 

Photography on the refuge is allowed in any open area of the refuge. This includes Crane Lake Overlook, the Driving Tour, Visitor Center area, refuge trails, and along public roadways.

Picnicking on the refuge is allowed, and refuge rangers recommend using out Crane Lake Overlook or the Visitor Center area to have a great picnic!

Our refuge ranger strives to provide resources for the public through different programs. If you are looking for a ranger-led program or would like to inquiry on a school group visit, please call our refuge at 505-398-6481.

Running on the refuge is allowed on all roads and trails open to the public open. Please use caution when running on roadways. 

Wildlife watching is allowed throughout the open areas of the refuge. Use our overlooks and pull offs to view the wide variety of wildlife across the refuge landscapes.