Trails
Auto Tour Loop
Open Season: The loop is accessible year-round
Length: 8 miles
Location of trail: CR 22 and Hwy 281
Surface: Asphalt and dirt
Difficulty: Difficult to drive after rain.
The loop is accessible year-round, although occasionally some parts of County Road 22C become difficult to drive after heavy rain. Informational leaflets, including a map of the refuge and the bird species list, are available during office hours (Monday-Thursday, 8 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays from 8 am to 3:30 pm - if refuge staff are in) or outside the main entrance, at the kiosk. Due to a smaller staff, an employee may not be available within the hours above. You may call the refuge at 505-425-3581 to assure that a staff member is in.
Meadowlark Trail
Open Season: The trail is open from sunup to sundown 7 days a week
Length: 0.5 miles
Location of trail: Loop at the refuge headquarters
Surface: Crushed Fines, concrete, ADA accessible
Difficulty: ADA accessible
The Meadowlark Trail begins at the refuge office entrance gate. Visitors are welcome to walk the Prairie Trail at any time during daylight hours. If you are visiting the Refuge at a time when the office and entrance gate will be closed, please visit the kiosk located at the gate where you will find refuge brochures.
Gallinas Nature Trail
Open Season: The trail is open from sunup to sundown 7 days a week
Length: 1.75 miles
Location of trail: Southwest corner of Auto Tour Loop
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a self-guided nature trail which meanders through fields of native grasses and wildflowers, past historic ruins, and descends approximately 250 feet into one of the many box canyons that surround the refuge. As you descend into the canyon, you will find an oasis in this arid zone - a small seep, surrounded by vegetation, which provides habitat for an assortment of small fish, amphibians, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Continuing on the loop trail, on the western side of the canyon, enjoy being surrounded by the sweet smell of piñon, juniper and ponderosa. Along this walk, listen for the call of a canyon wren and keep a look out for wild turkey ahead or American kestrel up above