Experience the diverse and beautiful landscape of the Chihuahuan desert at Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.
Multiple trails with varying lengths depart from the Visitor Center the, longest of which is the Mesa View trail, a 3.8 mile loop gaining 200 feet of elevation.
The path is well maintained and at times even lined with rocks, filled with stunning vistas as you climb up to the top of the mesa.
Perhaps the path will be covered in tumbleweed if it’s a windy day, which takes a few minutes to clear before you are on your way.
Stop to admire the badlands which are a change of pace from the otherwise pale panorama.
Multiple benches are scattered along the length of the trail for a break, and when you reach the top there are information plaques to learn about the environment.
From up here the Manzano Mountains look like sky islands, isolated by lowlands.
Look and listen for birds as you make your descent back towards the visitor center.
Other trails include a mile long interpretive path through a wash, and the ¼-mile wildflower loop.
Here there is plenty of wildlife to discover, many species reside in the park including desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn, mountain lion, bear, and bunnies.
In the late afternoon, not another soul was present to share the park with – it was extremely peaceful.
Good to know:
+Visitor Center onsite with restroom
+Trails are open dawn to dusk
I don’t live in a climate with many cacti, so seeing them bloom is always very special!
Those red flowers are awesome!!! Love the informative signs, too! Thanks for sharing 🙂