Discover Socorro through a wide range of experiences: wildlife watching in protected areas, distinctive rock formations and insights into radio astronomy. History is also present in its sites, buildings and landscapes. You can shape your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Wildlife and Habitats
The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge covers 57,331 acres between the Chupadera Mountains to the west and the San Pascual Mountains to the east. It was established in 1939 as an important stopover for migratory waterfowl. Visitors can watch and photograph wildlife, as well as learn about it. Its large area and role as a stopover for migratory waterfowl make the refuge a special destination for nature enthusiasts.
Four habitat types meet at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge: Colorado Shrub Steppe, Great Plains Short Grass Prairie, Chihuahua Desert and Pinion Juniper Woodland. The visitor center complements these landscape themes with nature and wildlife exhibits, maps and brochures. It also offers a six-minute orientation film and displays live native fish from the Rio Grande. Those who want an overview before taking a walk will find several different ways to connect with nature here.
The Mesa View Trail is open year-round, is 3.8 miles long, and is next to the visitor center; it climbs a mesa to the west. The Datil Well Recreation Area has three miles of trails through pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests, with views across the San Augustin Plains. Each trail area has its own landscape features. At the Datil Well visitor center, historical photographs and artifacts add to the experience.
Rock Formations, Trails and Outdoor Activities
The San Lorenzo Canyon features distinctive formations including sheltered caves, sandstone cliffs, arches and hoodoos. Johnson (Gordy's) Hill also has varied geology: roads and trails pass through deep canyons and alongside sandstone and limestone cliffs, terraces and escarpments. Off-road vehicles can travel on existing routes there.
The Quebradas Back Country Byway is an unpaved county road that winds for about 24 miles through rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. A vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended because some sections are difficult, winding and steep. This distinction is important when planning: the byway is a drive along an unpaved road, not simply another hiking trail.
The 640-acre Box Recreation Area offers technical rock climbing and bouldering on the cliffs around a box canyon. Visitor amenities include a developed parking area, a trailhead, interpretive signs and a restroom. The Socorro Nature Area has a different focus: its grounds feature a self-guided nature trail with interpretive signs, a pond and an amphitheater.
Local and Regional History
Fort Craig was established in 1854 and played an important role in campaigns against Indigenous groups and during the Civil War. Today, it is open year-round for hiking, photography, picnics and self-guided tours. Its historical role and the opportunity to explore it independently make it a different kind of cultural stop from a museum or church.
The original San Miguel Mission was built between 1615 and 1627. Its architectural features include massive adobe walls, carved vigas and supporting corbel arches. The mission is also associated with annual fiestas held in late September; check the current dates before your trip. The Socorro Historical District Scenic Byway offers a sense of history through Socorro's architecture and old streets. The Mineral Museum, founded in 1889, provides another historical landmark.
The history of science is also present: the first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site on July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time. In Socorro County, the Very Large Array of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is also a visitor attraction where you can learn more about radio astronomy and the study of stars. It is located 50 miles west of Socorro. The visitor center features exhibits on radio astronomy and a self-guided interpretive trail experience leading to the base of a large dish antenna.
Visits with Special Requirements
The Magdalena Ridge Observatory is not generally open to visitors; visits are possible as part of organized tours. Two open-house dates are scheduled each year for the public, one in spring and one in fall. Advance reservations are required. Public events are canceled when construction work is underway, so check the dates before your trip. Getting there is also a factor to plan for: the road climbs 4,000 feet over a distance of eight miles, is unpaved and has several hairpin turns.
Discover more destinations: Socorro, Magdalena, Doña Ana, Chaves County, San Juan, Quay, Rice County, Los Alamos.
For the main travel overview: New Mexico.
