Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. 

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is unique because four different kinds of habitat converge here on the refuge, including the Colorado Shrub Steppe, Great Plains Short Grass Prairie, the Chihuahua Desert and the Pinion Juniper Woodland. The Rio Grande also flows through the center of the refuge creating an oasis around the river that plays a vital role within these mixed ecosystems. Because the environments are so diverse, they attract and support a diversity of native species, including more than 89 species of mammals, 266 species of birds, 58 reptiles species and 15 species of amphibians and a documented 1,200 species of plants.  

Driving Directions

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and Headquarters is located 50 miles south of Albuquerque, New Mexico and is about 0.25 miles west of Interstate 25 at exit 169. The coordinates are 34.351501, -106.882401.  

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restroom facilities are available at the Visitor Center during open hours.

Points of Interest

Let our staff and volunteers at the visitor center help you plan your visit! This is a great starting point for visitors to become more familiar with the refuge and the wildlife that live here. Visitors can watch a 6-minute refuge orientation video, see live native fish of the Rio Grande on display, browse nature and wildlife exhibits, and obtain maps and brochures. While there, visit Amigos de la Sevilleta nature store for field guides, t-shirts, and other educational items.  

Exhibits in the visitor center feature the cultural history, biological diversity, geology, and latest news on scientific studies and findings at the refuge. 

What to Do

If you have 15-minutes: 

• Explore the visitor center and hike our Wildflower Loop Trail. 

If you have one hour:

• Explore our visitor center and hike our Nature Loop Trail. 

If you have half a day or more:

• Explore our visitor center and journey to San Lorenzo Canyon or Wetland Units. 

Know Before You Go

Come prepared for unpredictable weather with hat, sunglasses, water, and layers of clothing. Summer temperatures can soar to 100 degrees and then cool down considerably at night; you can expect early afternoon monsoon rains from early July into September. Winter temperatures can often drop below freezing at night and skies are frequently clear. You can expect an occasional skiff of snow. 

Visitor Tips

• Binoculars are available for check out in the visitor center.  
• Observe from the sidelines. Leave “abandoned” young animals alone. A parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave.  
• Walk quietly in designated areas, being aware of sights and sounds. Often you will hear more than you see.  
• Look for animal signs. Tracks, scat, and feathers left behind often tell interesting stories.  
• Teach children quiet observation. Other wildlife watchers will appreciate your consideration, and your children will be more likely to observe wildlife.  
• Keep your distance from any wildlife.  
• Watch where animals are most likely to show up - drinking sites, trail intersections, perches, ledges and overlooks to open areas.  
• Bring the right tools. To get close-up views, use binoculars, spotting scope or camera zoom lens.  
• Use field guides and checklists to identify animal species and to learn where you are most likely to see them.  
• Watch at dawn and dusk when most wildlife species are active enough to view.  
• Do not feed animals. Let them eat their natural foods. Your handouts could hurt their digestive systems, make them dependent on future handouts - or even kill them.  
• Be patient. Don’t expect to see everything right away.  
• Give nests plenty of space. You could frighten the parents away and leave eggs or young animals exposed to predators.