Amigos de la Sevilleta
Visiting Sevilleta
Hours
Refuge Gate: M-F 8-4:30
Visitor Center: Tu-F 8-4:30
In 2023, the gate and the visitor center are closed on these weekday federal holidays: 1/2, 2/20, 5/29, 6/19, 7/4, 9/4, 10/9, 11/10, 11/23, 12/25.
When the gate is closed, you may park outside the gate and hike in. Trailheads are about a 10-minute hike from the gate.
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, in central New Mexico, stretches from the Ladrone Mountains in the west to the Pinos Mountains in the east. The Refuge is open year-round. No entrance fees are required. The Refuge can be found 50 miles south of Albuquerque and 20 miles north of Socorro. It spans 30 miles east-to-west, and 15 miles north-to-south. To find the Visitor Center, take exit 169 from Interstate 25, head west and follow the signs.
Visitor Center
Bringing the Outside In
The exhibits inside the Visitor Center tell stories of the life on the refuge. See plants and animals from the great river habitat, the Chihuahuan Desert, the rich prairie, and the rugged mountains. Some of the most fascinating exhibits tell the story of the geology of the Sevilleta, with its fault block mountains and the effects of the volcanic activity from long ago.
The business of the refuge is conducted at the Visitor Center. Staff and volunteers will be available to provide you with maps, brochures, checklists, and other information about what's happening on the refuge. The Visitor Center is also the starting point for three walking trails. Finally, don't forget to stop by the Nature Store for educational materials and souvenirs.
Walking Trails
Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge trails are open sunrise to sunset. For more information on these trails, and on other hikes in Soccoro County, see the online book Hiking and Biking in Socorro County New Mexico.
Mesa View Trail
A challenging three and a half mile hike, the Mesa View Trail, leads through rolling land before a strenuous hike to the top of the mesa that overlooks the river valley to the east and the La Jencia Plain to the west. Click for map.
Wildflower Loop
This loop, the shortest of the three trails that begin at the Visitor Center, rambles through a beautifully diverse mix of plants typical of the Refuge's varied habitats. Click for map.
Nature Trail
This one-mile Nature Trail passes through open shrub land and crosses two arroyos before returning to its start. Click for map.
San Lorenzo Canyon
A scenic area of sheltered caves, sandstone cliffs, arches and hoodoos, San Lorenzo Canyon is rich in history and natural beauty. The geological formations make it an excellent spot for hiking and photography. You can explore small springs and streams in the arroyo bottoms and the cave site. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Driving to this site takes you along unpaved roads. Click for map and driving directions.
Ladrones Vista Trail
This 1.9-mile trail connects with the Mesa View and Nature Loop Trails. Explore this rock lined path through arroyos and up the side of the mesa. Along the way you will marvel at the beauty of Sevilleta, the Ladrones and middle Rio Grande Valley. While exploring this moderate-to-strenuous trail keep your eyes peeled for birds, lizards and insects on this diverse trail!