Facility Activities

 The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 provides further guidance for management decisions, including the determination of compatible uses on refuges. This act identifies six priority wildlife dependent recreational uses that include hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation. On Rio Mora, the staff strives to allow as many of these compatible uses we can allow while also prioritizing our wildlife and habitat.

Birding

With the variety of habitats around Rio Mora, a mixture of bird species can be seen. Songbirds sing in the pinon-juniper stands, while grassland birds use the northern grasslands and waterbirds take shelter around the Mora River. 

Dog walking

Dogs are permitted on the Juniper Nature Trail only if they are on a leash at all times. 

Hiking

Hike our Juniper Nature Trail, a scenic trail that follows the bluff of the canyons of the refuge and the shortgrass prairies. Typically, this hike can take visitors about two hours round trip and is about 2 miles long. If visitors are bringing along a dog, we ask that they stay on leash at all...

Photography

Photography is welcome in the open areas of the refuge. If you would like to share your photographs with the refuge staff, please contact us.

Picnicking

At the trailhead of the Juniper Nature Trail, a shaded structure and picnic table are found for visitors to use during open refuge hours. 

Ranger-led programs

Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area is open to school groups, organizations, and visitors to learn from our refuge rangers in a wide variety of programs throughout the year. To find our current events and programs, click here.

Running

Running is allowed in the open areas of the refuge during open hours. 

Wildlife watching

Wildlife observation can be done from our Juniper Nature Trail overlook or from any of the public roads at the refuge.