Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge offers nature trails with opportunities to enjoy sandhill cranes, waterfowl, reptiles, pollinators, mule deer, quail, and more. Primitive camping is available near the refuge headquarters. Photography of the landscape, habitat, and wildlife is also available.
Driving Directions
From Muleshoe, Texas: Take Highway 214 south 20 miles. Go west on Caliche Road for 2.25 miles to refuge headquarters.
From Morton, Texas: Take Highway 214 north 18 miles. Go west on Caliche Road 2.25 miles.
GPS coordinates to the headquarters are 33.955295, -102.776973
Fees
There is no charge to visit.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available inside the refuge headquarters, Paul's Lake Overlook and in the campground.
Points of Interest
Visitors can enjoy the scenery at Paul’s Lake, White Lake and Goose Lake. During the winter sandhill cranes use these sites for roosting areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the nature trails. The refuge offers a quiet place to camp.
What To Do
If you have 15-minutes.
- Walk the Nature Trail
- Enjoy the Paul’s Lake Overlook
If you have one hour.
- Walk the Nature Trail
- Enjoy Paul’s Lake Overlook
- Have a picnic
If you have half a day or more.
- Camp in the designated campgrounds
- Have a picnic
- Enjoy the refuge
Know Before You Go
Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, plenty of water and a lunch if you plan on staying long are recommended to enjoy your visit. Sunscreen and bug spray might also help create a more pleasant experience.
Visitor Tips
Wildlife is most likely to be seen in the morning and evening hours when temperatures are not hot. A list of recent wildlife sightings can be found at headquarters.
Activities
The refuge offers a variety of wildlife dependent activities including birding, wildlife watching, camping and picnicking, wildlife photography, and hiking.
Trails
The Nature Trail
- Open Season: Open year-round
- Length: 0.25 miles
- Location of trail: Near the campground
- Surface: Natural surface of grass and dirt
- Information: The trail is located near the campground and visitors walk near grassland and woodland habitat types. Pollinators, migratory birds, and reptiles can be seen on this trail.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Rules and Policies
- Pets must be on a leash or under control.
- No hunting allowed on the refuge, except by special drawing.
- Possession or use of alcohol is prohibited on the refuge.
- 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.
- Fires are allowed in fire pits only. County burn bans determine if fires are allowed
- 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.
- No flying objects (i.e. Drones)