Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge
Visitors to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge can experience one of the few remaining intact wetland ecosystems in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Home to a variety of wildlife, Bosque del Apache is well known for the tens of thousands of cranes, geese, and ducks who overwinter here each year.
Though wildlife observation and photography are the most popular activities at Bosque del Apache, opportunities for biking, hiking, and picnicking are also available. Over 30 miles of hiking trails can be found on the refuge.
The 57,331 acres that comprises Bosque del Apache is a mosaic of habitats - from the upland desert of the Bosque del Apache Wilderness Area to the riparian bosque forests and expansive seasonal wetlands to mesquite and grassy fields, the refuge is home and resting place to hundreds of species of wildlife throughout the year.
Most visitors experience Bosque del Apache from their vehicle: driving the 12-mile tour loop through the historic floodplain of the Rio Grande. This area is heavily managed by refuge staff through seasonal water movement and disturbance of the landscape, as the wild Rio Grande historically would have done in this area.
While there is something to do and observe at Bosque del Apache year-round, most visitors stop here in the winter months, while flocks of sandhill cranes and snow geese are feeding and resting throughout the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
The refuge accepts this pass in our Tour Loop area (between Highway 1 and the Rio Grande). Access to the Tour Loop is only from New Mexico Highway 1. An entrance pass is not needed for parts of the refuge that are not on the Tour Loop (such as the Visitor Center, Wilderness Area, Wetland Roost, and Point of Lands). Each vehicle needs a valid pass.
This pass is only valid for entrance fees at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
All refuge visitors are required to pay an entrance fee with the following exceptions: Entrance fees are waived for visitors in possession of a current and signed Federal Duck Stamp or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass.
This pass admits the passholder and any accompanying passengers in a private, non-commercial vehicle.
Please be prepared to show your hard copy pass or digital pass on your mobile device.
Print out or download the pass on your mobile device in advance of your visit as cellular service may be limited.
Refuge hours: Bosque del Apache is open every day from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Passes are non-transferable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.