Trails
Mesa View Trail
Open Season: Year-round
Length: 3.8 miles
Location of trail: Next to the visitor center
Surface: Natural
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
This journey climbs the mesa west of the visitor center and along the mesa’s edge before dropping back down into the valley. This trail provides some wonderful views of the Ladrone and surrounding mountains, as well as a wide diversity of awe-inspiring landforms. This hike is great for viewing lizards in the spring, summer and fall and sparrows in the winter.
Nature Loop
Open Season: Year-round
Length: 1.1 miles
Location of trail: South of the visitor center
Surface: Natural
Difficulty: Moderate
This loop trail takes you through an arroyo and back up onto higher ground. There are several resting spots that are good for taking in the views. Look for lizards and coyote, rabbit and deer tracks.
Ladrones Vista Trail
Open Season: Year-round
Length: 1.9 miles
Location of trail: Connects with the Mesa View and Nature Loop
Surface: Natural, rock-lined path
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Explore this trail 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. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, lizards and insects.
Wildflower Loop
Open Season: Year-round
Length: 0.25 miles
Location of trail: East of the visitor center
Surface: Paved
Difficulty: Easy
This paved trail provides great views of the Rio Grande Valley, surrounding mountains and stunning flowers (in season).
Wetland Units
Open Season: Year-round
Location of trail: Southeast of the visitor center
Surface: Paved
Enjoy a short drive to explore the wetland units. You will see waterfowl in the winter, songbirds in the spring through the fall and deer and elk year-round. Most wildlife viewing will occur from your vehicle, but there are also limited hiking opportunities. Hiking is allowed from sunrise to sunset in Units A and B along roads and levees only.
San Lorenzo Canyon
Open Season: Year-round
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. The Canyon is jointly managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management as a primitive recreation area. There are no restrooms or drinking water. All trash must be packed out!