Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache is a large nature reserve in central New Mexico positioned between two mountain ranges with the Rio Grande flowing through it. The landscape includes wetlands, undeveloped wilderness areas, and multiple water bodies that together create different habitats for wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1939 to protect migratory birds and their habitats along the Rio Grande. In the decades that followed, it became a crucial stopover for thousands of cranes and geese traveling between northern and southern regions.

Local Indigenous peoples recognized this area as a vital waypoint for migrating birds long before the refuge was officially created. Today, watching birds as they pass through remains a central reason visitors come to experience this landscape.

Visitors can drive a scenic route that opens at sunrise and closes at sunset for the best viewing experience. Arriving early in the day gives you the best chance to see birds in their most active hours.

The refuge was named after the Apache people who once lived in this area, and this name remains a direct connection to the region's Indigenous past. This historical naming choice adds a deeper meaning to what visitors experience today.