Planning Your Visit - Bosque del Apache NWR Refuge Regulations & Information
Hours
The tour loop (please see tour loop map) is open from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset every day of the year.
The visitor center is open from 7:30 - 4:00 on weekdays and 8:00 - 4:30 on weekends, except Christmas day, New Year's Day, and the 4th of July.
Entry Fees
The one-day entry fee is $5.00 per vehicle with all occupants. The fee can be paid at the visitor center when it is open, or at any time at the fee booth at the entrance to the tour loops. Both locations also honor a variety of federal passes.
Restrooms
The restrooms are in a separate building to the west of the visitor center, and are fully accessible. There are also permanent, accessible restrooms on the east side of the tour loops where the two loops come together. From November through February additional porta-potties are located around the loops.
Animals and Pets
All pets must be either confined or on a leash. Please do not bring your pet into the visitor center even if it is small; only service animals are allowed in refuge buildings. Please clean up after your pet.
Releasing fish, other pets, or plants on the refuge is prohibited. They disrupt the biology by killing things we are trying to preserve and are a source of disease. Do not attempt to feed birds or other wildlife - just observe and enjoy them as they are.
Signs
Read the signs. Some prohibit all public access. Others prohibit vehicles but invite hiking and biking. Temporary barricades protect nesting, roosting and feeding areas and protect visitors from hazardous situations. Please respect them.
Vehicles and Parking
The refuge lies along both sides of NM Highway 1 which connects I-25 exit 139 in the town of San Antonio with I-25 exit 115 south of the refuge. (please see our NM map and tour loop map) NM Highway 1 is a 55 mph state highway. Stopping suddenly on the roadway to look at birds or other wildlife is dangerous, so please use the wide turnouts along both the north and south approaches.
The visitor center parking lot can accommodate motor homes as well as cars. You are welcome to unhitch and use your tow vehicle on the tour loops, but it isn't required.
Please drive carefully on the gravel tour loop roads, and stay on the designated roads and turnouts. The speed limit is 25 mph. There are both one-way and two-way sections so observe signs carefully. You should expect vehicles ahead of you to stop - sometimes suddenly - as visitors spot interesting birds or other wildlife. Tour loop roads are wide so pull over to allow others to pass safely.
Hiking and Biking
The refuge provides many opportunities for hiking and biking. Some routes are only for hikers, others permit either. There are kiosks, signs, and staff in the visitor center to provide further details about a particular route. For either activity, it is important that you stay on the designated trails and roads.
Photography
Photography is welcome in areas to which public access is permitted. Signage restrictions apply to all visitors, including photographers. Normal courtesy with respect to viewing rights of others is expected. (See Events &Workshops for any photography workshops).
Camping
There is no camping on the refuge for the public. This rule also applies to RVs; no overnight parking is allowed. Staff at the visitor center can advise about camping and RV parks in the area. (The group camping signs refer to scout, school, or college groups who are carrying out work projects for the refuge.)
Picnicking
The refuge provides a picnic pavilion near the visitor center with trash cans. You may also eat at other locations of your choice, but be careful not to leave litter. If you packed it in; pack it out. No fires or grills are allowed anywhere on the refuge.
Hunting and Fishing
Both hunting and fishing are allowed in designated areas during certain seasons, subject to New Mexico Game and Fish license and regulation requirements. Check with the staff in the visitor center for specific information on locations and specific regulations.
Swimming
No wading, swimming, canoeing, boating, or floating is allowed in refuge waters, including the Rio Grande.
Horseback Riding
Horses are not allowed on the refuge.
Collecting
Do not pick, disturb, or collect any plants, animals, rocks, or artifacts on the refuge. If you wish to study or research an item later, take photos or make sketches. Virtual geocaching is allowed in open areas, but no treasure items are permitted.
Climate
The refuge is at the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert at about 4500' elevation. Days are usually sunny, and a temperature change of 30 degrees and more between dawn and noon is common. Thus, a hat and other sun protection plus layers of clothing which can be added and removed are recommended. Please check the San Antonio, NM weather forcast
Nature Store
The Friends of Bosque del Apache NWR operates a nature store inside the visitor center with an excellent selection of field guides, water and snacks, and a broad selection of nature-related items from the southwest, especially New Mexico.
Other Uses of the Refuge
Workshops, such as photography workshops, commercial tours, film crews, and other commercial uses of the refuge may be allowed by special permit and upon payment of the appropriate fee. Such activities must not impede public use of the refuge. Specific information is available at the visitor center and on our Events page
Wilderness Area Access
The Indian Well, Chupadera, and Little San Pascual Wilderness areas are accessible by hiking year round. You may hike off trail in these areas; travel is at your own risk. Be aware that these areas are also open to hunting during certain seasons. Horses and overnight camping are not allowed in refuge wilderness areas.
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The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 340 San Antonio, New Mexico 87832 Contact Us |
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© 1996-2007 by The Friends of the Bosque National Wildlife Refuge, All Rights Reserved
All photos and graphics are under copyright by the artists and photogaphers.Photos & Graphics ©Sandy Seth, ©Wally Newman
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