Each season, the Bosque del Apache offers unique bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. Peak visitation occurs in winter when bald eagles and thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese flock to the fields and marshes. Plan to visit the first week of December during the annual Festival of the Cranes. This world-famous event includes speakers, special tours, and arts and wildlife displays.
The visitor center offers current information on wildlife sightings, exhibits, videos and the Bosque Nature Store – a bookstore and gift shop – and is open all year.
The 12-mile auto tour loop takes visitors through a full range of wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.
For a nominal fee, visitors can take the self-guided tours and nature trails, which range in length from one to nine miles.
In addition, the Refuge offers bicycling opportunities as well as seasonal hunting, fishing and frogging.
The Bosque del Apache is located east of I-25, just south of San Antonio. Exit at 139, go east ¼ mile on US 380 to the flashing signal at San Antonio, turn right on to NM 1, and travel south for nine miles.
Visit the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge website for more information on tours, trails, hunting, fishing and frogging.
