Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you do the following:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
  • Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other groups.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Eurasian collared dove / © A Mazouz

    Proposing Changes to Hunting Program

    Refuge is proposing to update their hunting program and is seeking public comment on the proposed changes. Comment period open 60 days.

    Refuge Hunt Program Draft for Review and Comment

  • Refuge' Visitor Center entrance / USFWS

    Visitor Center Parking Lot Repaving

    The Refuge' Visitor Center Parking Lot will be repaved from March 31, 2021. Access remains open, other than when work is at front entrance.

  • Double rainbow / Rob Larranaga, USFWS

    Temporarily Closing Visitor Center

    . . . to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and you--our friends and neighbors.

    Agency's COVID-19 Announcement Letter

  • White-tailed buck / R. Larranaga, USFWS

    Trails, Scenic Drives, Overlook

    Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge offers nature trails from .5 miles to 1.75 miles, scenic drives, and an overlook observation deck.

    Wildlife Watching & Nature Trails

  • Pollinator "World of Color" poster / © Pollinator Partnership

    Printable Activity Pages to Try!

    We have provided Agency and partner links to a variety of coloring and activity pages for all to enjoy at home!

    Visitor Activities page

Your Support is Appreciated

Visitor Center Parking Lot Repaving

Visitor Center Entrance / USFWS

The Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge will be having the parking lot at the Visitor Center repaved and new sidewalks added to enhance the visitor experience. Work will begin March 31 and continue until May 12. Access to the Visitor Center and the Meadowlark Trail should open for the entirety of the work except for one or two days when the front entrance is repaved. If there are any Questions you may contact Chris Lohrengel via email or phone, chris_lohrengel@fws.gov, (505) 398-6122. Thank you for your understanding while we work to make improvements to your National Wildlife Refuge.

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Announcement Letter

In keeping with guidance from the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and acting out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily suspending (closing) operations of the Visitor Center at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. We are committed to doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and you--our friends and neighbors. Therefore, planned Refuge events and programs may not take place as scheduled. Refuge lands, including nature trails and outdoor recreational activities, remain open and accessible to the public. Please visit refuge information kiosks or brochure boxes for visitor information and refuge maps. We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide updates as they become available. More information is available by calling 928-304-8995 or emailing debbie_pike@fws.gov.

Agency Announcement Letter

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announcement: In keeping with guidance from the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and acting out of an abundance of caution, we are temporarily suspending (closing) operations of the Visitor Center at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge. We are committed to doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, and you--our friends and neighbors. Therefore, planned Refuge events and programs may not take place as scheduled. Refuge lands, including nature trails and outdoor recreational activities, remain open and accessible to the public. Please visit refuge information kiosks or brochure boxes for visitor information and refuge maps. We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide updates as they become available. More information is available by calling 928-304-8995 or emailing debbie_pike@fws.gov.

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Full Page View of Agency Announcement Letter

On-line eBird Observation Entries

Northern shovelers male and female / © Bernadette Madison, USFWS

Launched in 2002 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, eBird website program is a real-time, online checklist program that has revolutionized the way that the birding community reports and accesses information about birds. A birder simply enters when, where, and how they went birding, then fills out a checklist of all the birds seen and heard during the outing. The observations of each participant join those of others in an international network of eBird users. The link below allows you to set-up an account in eBird to submit your observations. The Refuge appreciates you entering your bird sightings on the eBird online checklist program. For more information about eBird go to: https://ebird.org/content/ebird/about/eBird.org. Current entries at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge, can be seen on our Wildlife & Habitat page, in the header section up above, and then open the left menu link titled: Report a Bird Sighting.

eBird On-line Program to Submit Observations
Seeking Public Comment - April 15 to June 15, 2021

Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge Proposes Changes to Hunting Program

Desert cottontail / © Bennette Jenkins

The Refuge is seeking public comment on proposed changes to their hunting program. The public comment period is an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes in our draft documents. You are invited to review the draft documents related to these proposed changes; including the hunt plan, environmental assessment, compatibility determination, and the minor amendment to the comprehensive conservation plan. These documents will be available from Thursday, April 15, 2021 until the close of the Federal Register' public comment period which will be out for at least 60 days. You can submit comments to the regional office by email at HuntFishRuleComments@fws.gov. Draft documents are also available in the link below, or you can contact the refuge at 928-304-8995 or debbie_pike@fws.gov to request either printed or electronic copies. Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format. In the subject line of your comments, please add - Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge hunting comments. Thank you for your interest in Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge.

Refuge Hunt Program 2021 Update Comment Period

Outdoor Trails Open

The Other Las Vegas - What Happens Here, Stays With You!

Fawn / USFWS

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, an 8 mile scenic auto tour loop drive, and an observation deck lookout for wildlife watching. The views are magnificent at this beautiful Refuge! What happens here, you will want to share with Everyone!

Refuge' Trails and Observation Areas

Enjoy!

Fun Printable Pages on Our Visitor Activities Page

Child drawing / © J.D. Sentry

Go to our Visitor Activities page for new coloring and activity sheets, and hands-on projects for any age to try! All can be done at Home!

Link to our Website's Visitor Activities Page

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

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