Bosque del Apache Refugewinter wildlife
Sandhill cranes winter here, typically from late October through late January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Oct 20–Jan 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Bosque del Apache Refuge · September
- Hummingbirds (summer, mid-May through mid-September) · May–Sep
22days to the next winter wildlife seasonOct 20–Jan 31, local timing
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Spring shorebirds on the drained wetlands (mid-February through mid-May)Feb–May
- Hummingbirds (summer, mid-May through mid-September)NowMay–Sep
- Sandhill cranes (typically late October through late January)Oct–Jan
- The refuge's greatest bird numbers (early November to late January)Nov–Jan
- Thousands of snow geese roosting in the wetlands (winter, mid-November through late January)Nov–Jan
Where to watch
- Scenic Drive (Tour Loop)About 12 miles, split into a South Loop and a North Loop, open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; wildlife is often close to the road, and one-way signs apply
- Observation Blind TrailAn easy, wheelchair-friendly 0.28-mile walk off the North Loop to a wall of viewing windows over a seasonal wetland
Bosque del Apache Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Sandhill cranes winter here, typically from late October through late January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 20–Jan 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 22 days (Oct 20–Jan 31, local timing).
Is the Tour Loop open right now?
As of September 2026, the refuge says construction on water-control structures around the Tour Loop starts around September 29, 2026, and roads may close for safety with no set schedule. Call the visitor center at 575-835-1828 the day before or the day of your visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the cranes at sunrise?
Cranes and geese spend the night standing in water and fly out to feed near dawn, the geese first. Roosting and feeding sites change through the winter, so check the sunrise time and ask at the visitor center for the latest.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee?
$5 a day per private vehicle (cash, check or card), or $15 for a refuge annual pass; a Federal Recreation Lands Pass gets you in free. There's no ATM on the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is it open?
Refuge lands, the tour loop and trails: daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, federal holidays included. Visitor center: Thursday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Layers, water, a hat and sun protection: at about 4,500 feet, a swing of 30 degrees or more between dawn and noon is common. Bring your own food; there's a water refill station in the visitor center but no drinking water on the tour loop. Camping and overnight parking aren't allowed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge?
Scenic Drive (Tour Loop): about 12 miles, split into a South Loop and a North Loop, open daily from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset; wildlife is often close to the road, and one-way signs apply; Observation Blind Trail: an easy, wheelchair-friendly 0.28-mile walk off the North Loop to a wall of viewing windows over a seasonal wetland.
What is Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Sandhill cranes (typically late October through late January) (Oct–Jan), The refuge's greatest bird numbers (early November to late January) (Nov–Jan), Thousands of snow geese roosting in the wetlands (winter, mid-November through late January) (Nov–Jan), Spring shorebirds on the drained wetlands (mid-February through mid-May) (Feb–May) and Hummingbirds (summer, mid-May through mid-September) (May–Sep).