Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Welcome to the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge page! For official information about the Refuge, go to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/sevilleta/.

For more about the Fish and Wildlife service, go to www.fws.gov. The 230,000 acre refuge includes four different biomes that intersect and support a wide array of biological diversity. The Rio Grande flows through the center of the refuge, and is an important source of water that creates an oasis for wildlife in the arid landscape. Scientists from across the country and internationally come here to conduct research in these amazing ecosystems.

08/18/2026

A draft Environmental Assessment titled the Removal of Feral Horses from Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge is available for public review and comment for 30 days from August 19, 2026 to September 17, 2026. The draft document is available at the Sevilleta NWR visitor center (40 Refuge Rd, San Acacia, NM 87831), via email ([email protected]) and can be downloaded from the refuge website (https://www.fws.gov/media/draft-environmental-assessment-removal-feral-horses-sevilleta-national-wildlife-refuge). For access to the document in an alternative format contact the refuge. Comments may be submitted in writing via email ([email protected]) or by mail (PO Box 1248, Socorro, NM 87801). Any comments, concerns, suggestions or other feedback will be incorporated into the final EA if a substantive response is received.

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the “Area Closed” signs at one of the largest National Wildlife Refuges in the U...
05/19/2026

Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the “Area Closed” signs at one of the largest National Wildlife Refuges in the United States? Now’s your chance to find out! Join refuge staff for a special guided vehicle tour into areas of the refuge that are normally closed to the public.

Available Tours:

Diamond Tour
May 27, 29, 30, and 31 | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Travel near the base of the picturesque Los Pinos Mountains through expansive prairie and desert habitat. Along the way, you may spot pronghorn, oryx, prairie dogs, burrowing owls, and other wildlife.

West Mesa Tour
May 26 | 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Take in dramatic overlooks of the Middle Rio Grande Valley and Sierra Ladrone Mountains while exploring unique geologic formations on the west side of the refuge. Participants may even catch a glimpse of bighorn sheep among the cliffs.

Birding Tour
May 28 | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join the refuge biologist for a morning of birding along the Rio Grande and within the refuge wetland units. This tour offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of bird species.

Los Pinos Tour
Thank you to everyone who signed up! The Los Pinos tour is now fully booked.

Registration Required

Tour vehicle seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your seat, please contact Wildlife Refuge Specialist Ethan Hammer by May 21 at:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (505) 864-4021 ext. 2

All tours are free and open to the public.

We hope to see you on one of the tours!

Photo depicts a pronghorn visible from the Diamond.

Join Refuge Staff for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge! Explore one of the largest Nationa...
05/11/2026

Join Refuge Staff for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge!

Explore one of the largest National Wildlife Refuges in the lower 48 states through a series of guided morning tours led by refuge staff.

Tour Locations & Dates:

The Diamond
Discover the refuge’s purpose and land history while exploring wildlife-filled landscapes.
May 27, 29, 30 & 31
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

West Mesa
Visit one of the refuge’s most remote and visually striking areas.
May 26
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Los Pinos Mountains
Explore piñon-juniper forests that provide habitat for some of the refuge’s largest wildlife species.
June 1
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Wetland Units A & B
Enjoy a morning of birding alongside the Refuge Biologist.
May 28
6:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Registration Required:
Tour vehicle seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your seat, contact Wildlife Refuge Specialist Ethan Hammer by May 21 at [email protected]
or (505) 864-4021 ext. 2. These tours are free and open to the public.

Photo by Kim Pravda

Address

I-25, Exit 169
Socorro, NM
87801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15058644021

Website

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