Facility 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. 

Hunting

Waterfowl Hunt Information

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...

Archery

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.

Auto tour
Auto Tour Loop 

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

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

Birding

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...

Hiking

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...

Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Ranger-led programs

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

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

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.