in New Mexico i've visited the site on February twenty first and twenty second of this year , 2026…read more Established in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico was created to protect, restore, and provide a vital migratory stopover for sandhill cranes, geese, and ducks. Spanning 57,331 acres (30 000 are wilderness), the area has a deep history, having been a home to the Piro people and later named for the Apache tribes that used the riverside forest. The name means "woodland of the Apache" in Spanish, acknowledging the region's historical use by Prior to the 1600s, the Piro people lived in the area, with archeological sites like Qualu indicating substantial early settlements. The area was part of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road of the Interior Land), with Spanish caravans passing through the vicinity. It's not too far from the Salinas missions. The refuge was officially established in 1939 to conserve migratory birds, particularly after populations had dwindled due to habitat loss. It is famous for playing a critical role in the recovery of the sandhill crane population and serves as a winter home for thousands of waterfowl. It has become an income producer for the hotels. RV's parks and restaurants in the area. It helps rural New Mexico, like many parks in the country, help rural areas. Rep. Vasquez, a New Mexico Congressman stated the consequences of the cancellation of the annual Festival of the Cranes, a major cultural and economic event that typically brings $2 to $3 million in revenue to Socorro County and contributes to the refuge's broader $15.8 to $17 million annual economic impact to the rural area. Like most parks , it's hanging on having had its funding gutted by the recent federal government. Sadly , it's going from forty five staff to ten , which includes several volunteers. There's only two staff assigned to the water management of the wetlands now. They've been able to keep the Visitor Center open with volunteers and a staff member. as it helps provide information and some income from souvenirs. Quite frankly , it almost makes me weep with the amount of intentional destruction that the federal government caused. That's my opinion and I hope and pray that they'll survive to have some funding restored.

The park can see lot of snow geese and sandhill cranes. But at 7am, the temperature only 21degree…read more If you like to watching or taking pictures, you will not be disappointed in here. It is a good place to watch migration. Birds in February.

A pleasant park with picnic table setups scattered around, plenty of parking space, porta-potties,…read moremajestic big cottonwood trees, and easy access. The Rio Grande was overflowing its banks when we stopped by, which created reflections of a clear New Mexico sky among the trees.

I've hiked here now every season. It is never crowded although there's always at least a few…read morepeople parked there for lunch. The ATV class has started up on Saturday mornings.

The whole area is lovely. The plaza itself is a green oasis. A nice shady place to while away an…read moreafternoon. It is well cared for and the flowering plants are so welcome. The farmers market on Saturday is well attended and a great resource for fresh fruits and veggies. Often, there are ceramic and other crafts available. Socorrofest is held here in the fall. That is a great party! And adjacent to the plaza is the Heritage wheel and park. Lovely and informative!

It's a cute little closet full of good information nice place to take the kids to play and spend a…read morelittle bit a time. I wouldn't let the kids be there by themselves some sketchy character for in the area. But with proper adult supervision I don't really see an issue. On our furniture sketchy characters someone had pulled up and was watching my kids play I didn't appreciate that I don't even know who this person was when I started staring back at them they proceeded to drive off.

This is my favorite place ever, In all of New Mexico -…read moreBirds Water Dog friendly And the Rio, Rio, Rio

I spent a week in New Mexico recently and I took a couple of hours to hike the Mesa View Trail…read more While the Visitor Center was closed, it was still staffed and a magenta-coiffed young woman was very helpful. The hummingbird feeders at the Visitor Center attracted numerous colorful hummingbirds. The Mesa View Trail was a moderate hike for me, but there are a couple steep inclines, including one with steps recently charred by a "controlled" burn. The views are spectacular. A recent rain had the wildflowers blooming. I highly recommend visiting Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and hiking the Mesa View Trail.

McDuffie is a unique park, the city's only hidden park!…read more Pros: It is close to UNM and other schools like Jefferson Middle- distances from Central campus: 3 min drive, 8 min bike ride, 30 min walk. -Although it's hidden, there are 7 entrances, making it easy to access. -It is a good size: 13,000 sq ft. -It's secluded: good for intimacy & peace; in a quiet neighborhood w/ kind residents. -It has several strategically placed benches -It supports wildlife: there are several tree species which provide shade, ~41 different bird species (including roadrunners!) -There are weekly happenings! (such as tai chi classes) -Dog park: It's practically fenced in, there are water bowls placed by a resident -A place to play soccer, read a book, walk your dog, have a picnic, study or meditate, or simply RELAX! -It has a HUGE Free Little Library- free books! or a place to donate old books. Cons: There is no parking lot available, only street side parking. -The neighborhood it's in is close to known crime district. -It is not easily discoverable. (thank goodness for these reviews!) -It has a lack of amenities: no playground, no restrooms, no picnic tables. -There are lots of mosquitos (especially in summer) -Many owners let their dogs off the leash. -The park prohibits glass containers/alcohol -Hard balls (baseballs, etc) are prohibited in the park. OVERALL: McDuffie is good for the average park-goer, its entrancing location makes it FUN!

Kids had so much fun with fountains. Don't forget to bring a towel! Lots of families having a good…read moretime.

Amazing landscape of black lava flows. Make sure to wear hiking boots or good secure shoes if…read morewalking in the Malapais. Check out the Sandstone Bluffs nearby as well, with views overlooking the lava flow.

My favorite place on a cross country trip! Didn't have time to explore the trails but the visitor…read morecenter was worth it. Also, before and after the visitors center you can see lava flow along I-40 East. Pretty cool... The 15 minute movie is great and the gift shop is fun shopping.

Nice place to camp. Clean rest rooms, some sites have electricity. Water on the grounds, and a dump…read morestation. The campsites are well maintained.

I asked to stay in a tent area. When I got there at night it was very quiet, but I did notice that…read morethere were a lot of RVs in my area. I felt like I was staying in a trailer park more than a camping ground. I woke up to horrible music and motorcycles and when I got out of my tent it looked like I was out in the trailer park projects. They offered bathrooms on the campgrounds. When I got to the bathroom there was only a porta potty toilet, nothing more. I was fine with the bathroom I just didn't like the environment. I grew up camping and I grew up in Boy Scouts and this is not a place for camping.

This is a fantastic park! It's so beautiful here in Grants. I love how they always keep everything…read morenice and clean. Was wondering if they would move this parked to Albuquerque so the kids can play here more??? If you come here on a nice day it's one of the best places you can find!

Dirty park (from homeless) and surrounded by a tweaker-hood but put ur eyes on some ducks and…read moregeese in the pond and it makes it tolerable. Nice areas of grass for the dog which I liked.