Socorro: Nature, Landscapes and History

In Socorro County, wildlife watching, striking landscapes, and history come together. 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. Established in 1939, it serves as an important stopover for migrating waterfowl. Possible experiences include wildlife watching and photography, as well as learning about local wildlife.

Habitats and Trails

Four habitat types converge at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge: Colorado Shrub Steppe, Great Plains Short Grass Prairie, Chihuahua Desert, and Pinion Juniper Woodland. The visitor center offers an introduction with a six-minute orientation video, nature and wildlife exhibits, maps, and brochures. It also features live native fish from the Rio Grande. Open year-round, the 3.8-mile Mesa View Trail is next to the visitor center and climbs a mesa to its west.

The Datil Well Recreation Area also combines outdoor activity with regional history. Three miles of hiking trails wind through pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests, with views of the San Augustin Plains along the way. Historical photographs and artifacts are on display in the visitor center. San Lorenzo Canyon offers a different landscape, with protected caves, sandstone cliffs, arches, and hoodoos.

Rocky Landscapes and Activities

The Quebradas Back Country Byway is an unpaved county road that runs for about 24 miles through rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Because some sections are difficult, winding, and steep, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. For trip planning, this eastern route is clearly distinct from a destination west of Socorro: the Very Large Array is located 50 miles west of the city.

The 640-acre Box Recreation Area is a destination for technical rock climbing and bouldering on the cliffs around a box canyon. Facilities include a developed parking area, a trailhead, information signs, and a toilet. Johnson (Gordy's) Hill offers different terrain: roads and trails pass through deep canyons and along sandstone and limestone cliffs, terraces, and ledges. Off-road vehicles can be driven on existing routes.

The Socorro Nature Area features a self-guided nature trail with information signs, a pond, and an amphitheater. If you are interested in radio astronomy, the Very Large Array visitor center offers exhibits and a self-guided educational experience that takes you to the base of a large dish antenna. In Socorro County, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory's Very Large Array is one of the visitor attractions where you can learn more about radio astronomy and the study of the stars.

History and Culture

Fort Craig was established in 1854 and played an important role in campaigns against Indigenous groups and in the Civil War. The site is open year-round for hiking, photography, picnicking, and self-guided tours. In Socorro, the Historical District Scenic Byway brings the city's history to life through its architecture and old streets. The original San Miguel Mission was built between 1615 and 1627. Its distinctive architectural features include massive adobe walls, carved vigas, and corbels. The mission is also associated with fiestas held annually in late September; check the dates before your trip. The Mineral Museum was founded in 1889. The region's history also includes the first atomic bomb test at the Trinity Site, which took place on July 16, 1945, at 5:29:45 a.m. Mountain War Time.

Plan Your Visit

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory is not regularly open to visitors; visits are possible as part of organized tours. Two public open house dates are scheduled each year, one in spring and one in fall, and advance reservations are required for both. Public events are canceled during active construction. Check the dates before your trip. The drive is also a factor to consider: the road to the observatory climbs 4,000 feet over eight miles, is unpaved, and has several hairpin turns.

Explore more destinations: Socorro, Magdalena, Chaves County, Curry, Rice County, Rio Arriba County, Union County, Valencia.

For the main travel overview: New Mexico.