NRT Database

Location: Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, At Bosque del Apache NWR south of Socorro.

State(s): New Mexico
Counties: Socorro
Longitude: -106.89149
Latitude: 33.82243

Driving Directions

From the north (Socorro, NM), drive south on I-25 to exit 139 (San Antonio), go east 0.25 miles on US 380 to the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn right onto Old Highway 1, and drive south nine miles to the Visitor Center (on right).

From the south (Las Cruces, NM), drive north on I-25 to exit 124 (San Marcial), go east on the dirt road 1.5 miles, then north on Old Highway 1 to the visitor center (on left).

Description

This long-distance trail offers hikers a wide range of experiences beginning at the trailhead in Chihuahuan Desert Scrub, traversing desert grasslands, and passing through several life zones before ending at the highest point on the 57,191 acre refuge with a 360 degree view of several features of central New Mexico. Elephant Butte Reservoir, The Magdalena Mountains, Ladrone Mountain, Sandia Mountains, Manzano Mountains, Oscura Mountains, San Andreas Mountains and other features too numerous to be mentioned can be viewed in the panoramic view. Tracks of javelina, mule deer, rattlesnakes and an occasional cougar may be found on the wilderness trail. Cactus and other wildflowers bloom in season. The canyon is a special geological formation of ancient volcanic activity. For much of its length, this trail traverses the Chupadera Wilderness area of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Additional Details

Width: 24 inches.
Primary Surface: Gravel
Secondary Surface: Sand

Maximum Grade: 35%
Elevation Low Point: 4,741
Elevation High Point: 6,242
Elevation Gain (cumulative): 1,823 feet

Year Designated: 2008

Supporting Webpages and Documents

Contact Information

For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails.

Trail Management:
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
1001 NM-1
San Antonio, NM 87832
(575) 835-1828

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bosque_del_Apache/