Virtual Welcome Packet
Festival of the Cranes
December 3 – 7, 2025
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this year’s 36th annual Festival of the Cranes!
Here is your quick “at-a-glance” guide to Festival of the Cranes, to ensure you have the best experience possible. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Art by Joe Stanley | 2025 Art Contest Winner
WHAT to BRING
December mornings and late afternoons, when wildlife are the most active, are COLD with pre-dawn temps in the high 20s.
More than likely, you’ll be up at dark o’clock to catch the morning van or bus that will take you onto the refuge. Temperatures are often in the upper 20s so be sure to dress appropriately!
- Water container (there will be food & drink trucks at the refuge Visitor Center)
- 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
- Headlamp/flashlight to assist with walking in the dark
- Field notebook and pencils
- Binoculars
- Camera gear
- Microfiber cloths for camera lenses, binoculars, eyeglasses
- Handkerchief (if your nose runs in the cold)
- Lip balm (lips and eyes can dry out quickly in the desert)
- Mobile phone with bird ID apps installed (we like Merlin)
- NOTE: City of Socorro Convention Center, where classroom seminars are taking place, will be warm
Winter hats are available online here and in our Nature Store, located in the Visitor Center on the refuge.
VENUES & MAPS
BOSQUE del APACHE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Workshops for Birders, Photographers, etc.
- Vans & Busses: All workshop participants must enter refuge on designated vehicles.
- Parking: Please park in the Visitor Center lot located just north of the refuge entrance on Route 1.
- BE ON TIME! Buses will leave promptly at the advertised event start time. Be sure to note start times and plan for sufficient travel time between venues before registering.
Amenities
- REFUGE VISITOR CENTER
- NATURE STORE
- FESTIVAL REGISTRATION TABLE
- CAMERA & OPTICS TENT – Located in Refuge Plaza
- FOOD & DRINK TRUCKS – Located in Refuge Plaza with warm drinks!
- RESTROOMS
CITY OF SOCORRO CONVENTION CENTER
1220 Hwy 60 West, Socorro, NM 87801
Events
Opening Night Celebration December 3rd and Friends Annual Dinner December 4th as well as workshops for Birders, Photographers, etc.
- Vans & Busses: Busses for all OFF refuge tours and workshops will meet at the Socorro Convention Center
- Parking: There is plenty of parking located around the Convention Center.
- BE ON TIME! Buses will leave promptly on-time so be sure to check event start times.
Amenities
- FESTIVAL REGISTRATION TABLE
- NATURE FAIR – Featuring Nature Inspired Gifts!
- CLASSROOMS
- RESTROOMS
SOCORRO and SAN ANTONIO, NM
KEY LOCATIONS
SOCORRO Locations
Other Key Locations
WHERE TO EAT
SOCORRO
- Arby’s
- Blake’s Lotaburger
- Box Canyon Brewing Company
- Burger King
- Capital Bar & Brewery
- China Best Buffet
- Desert Diamond Restaurant
- Don Juan’s Cocina
- Domino’s Pizza
- El Camino
- Jackson Ranch Steakhouse
- La Pasadita Cafe (formerly Socorro Springs)
- Los Victor’s Mexican food California style
- M Mountain Grill
- McDonald’s
- RJ’s Chick-Inn
- Sofia’s Kitchen & Burrito Tyme
- Sonic Drive-In
- Subway
- Taqueria Mi Jacalito
- Yo Mama’s Grill
SAN ANTONIO
WHERE TO STAY
SOCORRO
- Baymont by Wyndham Socorro
- Best Western Socorro Hotel & Suites
- Casey’s Socorro RV Park
- City of Socorro RV Park
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Days Inn by Wyndham Socorro
- Dos Casitas En Socorro Bed And Breakfast
- Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
- Economy Inn
- Holiday Inn Express Socorro, an IHG Hotel
- San Miguel Inn
- Super 8 by Wyndham Socorro
- Socorro Rodeo and Sports Complex RV Park
SAN ANTONIO
- Bosque Bird Watchers RV Park
- Chupadero Mountain View RV Park
- Fite Ranch
- Little House on the Bosque
- The Lazy Dog
Are we missing a location? Email us at events@friendsofbosquedelapache.org.