Festival of the Cranes Visitor's Guide
Photo by Marc Hester
visitor information
As you plan your trip to the Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, please remember these helpful hints:
Socorro is a small community with limited hotel rooms. Make reservations early! Lodging closer to the refuge is limited to vacation rentals and RV campsites.
There is no regular shuttle or public bus service to Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. During the Festival of the Cranes, a limited number of guided bus tours are offered, but they fill quickly and require advance registration. All workshop participants must enter the refuge on designated vehicles (i.e. if you sign up for a photo/birding class you CANNOT drive your own car behind the bus).
The temperature in December can range from early morning lows in the 20s to daytime highs in the 50s and low 60s. Pack winter clothes for early morning and sunset activities.
If you are not registered for a bus tour, you’ll need to drive yourself to the refuge. The refuge is open to the public throughout the festival, and during the Festival of the Cranes there is no entrance fee to drive the scenic wildlife loop or explore the refuge on your own.
getting here
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is easily accessible from Las Cruces to the south or Albuquerque and points north via I-25. Albuquerque International Sunport is 75 miles from Socorro and 90 miles from San Antonio.
The Visitor Center is located at 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, New Mexico; the coordinates for the Visitor Center are 33.804777, -106.890917
From Points North
(Socorro, Albuquerque, Santa Fe): drive south on Interstate 25 to exit 139 (San Antonio), go east 0.25 miles on US 380 to the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn south (right) onto Highway 1, and drive south to the Visitor Center (on right).
From Points South
(Truth or Consequences, Las Cruces): drive north on Interstate 25 to exit 115, then north on Highway 1 to the Visitor Center (on left). There is ongoing construction between Truth or Consequences and San Antonio, be prepared for traffic delays.
From Points East
(Carrizozo, Roswell): drive west on US 380 to the town of San Antonio. At the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn south (left) onto Highway 1, and drive south to the Visitor Center (on right).
From Points West
(Quemado, Springerville): drive east on Highway 60 to the town of Socorro, then right on California St. toward Interstate 25. Merge onto south-bound Interstate 25 to exit 139 (San Antonio), go east 0.25 miles on US 380 to the flashing signal at the village of San Antonio, turn south (right) onto Highway 1, and drive south to the Visitor Center (on right).
Fuel: There are no gas stations at or near Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. The closest places to fill up are Socorro (about 20 miles north) and Truth or Consequences (about 60 miles south). We recommend fueling up before heading to the refuge, especially if you plan to spend the day exploring.
Lodging
Socorro
Socorro (pop. 8500) is the largest community near Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. With a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning views, Socorro offers something for every interest. Hike in the Magdalena Mountains, stroll the historic plaza or New Mexico Tech campus, or road trip to the Very Large Array on the Plains of St. Augustine west of town.
San Antonio
San Antonio (pop. 120) is a quiet village just south of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge and the closest community to the refuge entrance. Home to the historic Buckhorn Tavern and the legendary Owl Bar & Café, it’s an ideal base for early morning wildlife viewing, photography, and exploring the surrounding landscapes of the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
- Chupadero Mountain View RV Park
- Vacation rentals via VRBO or Airbnb
Dining
From local brewpubs to taquerias to steakhouses to New Mexican cuisine, Socorro has dining options to suit every taste. And no visit to San Antonio is complete without a stop at the Owl Bar or Buckhorn Tavern for a famous green chile cheeseburger.
faq
Planning your Festival experience should be easy. Browse the answers to our most frequently asked questions below to help you prepare for your visit to Bosque del Apache and the Festival of the Cranes. If you still have questions, we’re always happy to help.
What facilities and other amenities are available at the Refuge?
- Refuge Visitor Center with information and Festival Registration Table
- Nature Store where you can buy a warm hat or souvenir
- Camera & Optics Tent, located in the refuge plaza
- Food & Drink Trucks, located in the refuge plaza with warm drinks!
- Restrooms
How do I register?
The Festival schedule will be released in September, and registration opens in mid-October. OASIS members receive two days of early registration, followed by Friends members, who receive one day of early registration before registration opens to the general public. Check back soon for additional details.
How do I get there?
See our “getting here” section for details
Where do I park and how do I get into the refuge?
If you’re attending a class you have registered for, you’ll park at the visitor center parking lot and hop on the bus there. If you are planning to drive the loops yourself, you can stop in at the visitor center to get information and then you will drive a short distance to the tour loop entrance south of the visitor center.
BE ON TIME! Buses will leave on time so be sure to check event start times.
Are there events at other locations?
Yes! The Opening Night Celebration December 2, Friends Annual Dinner December , and Nature Fair December 4-5, as well as workshops for birders, photographers, etc. take place at the City of Socorro Convention Center, located in town at 1220 Hwy 60 West, Socorro, NM 87801
For off-refuge workshops and tours organized by the Festival of the Cranes, meet at the City of Socorro Convention Center to board your tour bus.
Parking: There is plenty of parking at the Convention Center.
BE ON TIME! Buses will leave on time so be sure to check event start times.
What should I wear?
- Dress in layers
- Warm hat
- Wool socks
- Waterproof boots (the shorelines can be a bit muddy)
- Hand warmers such as Hot Hands or HeatMax to tuck into your gloves, mittens, and boots
NOTE: City of Socorro Convention Center, where classroom seminars are taking place, will be warm
What should I bring?
- Water container (there will be food & drink trucks at the plaza near the refuge Visitor Center and at the Socorro Convention Center
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Field notebook and pencils
- Binoculars
- Camera gear
- Microfiber cloths for camera lenses, binoculars, eyeglasses
- Mobile phone with bird ID apps installed (we like Merlin)
Can I bring my children?
Yes, children are welcome. See ticketing policies (link)
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on Festival tours or classroom seminars unless they are service animals. The refuge has its own pet policy.
