Directions: From the N, take I-25 S to San Antonio Exit 139, then Route 380 E .5 mile, take NM Highway 1 S 8 miles to refuge. From the S, take I-25 N to San Marcial. Proceed N on NM Highway 1 for 9 miles to the refuge.

Primary Wildlife: Wintering flocks of snow geese and other waterfowl, sandhill cranes, whooping cranes, bald eagles, as well as warbler and songbird migrations, wild turkey, pheasant, roadrunner, mule deer, and porcupine.

Habitat: 57,191 acres of upland desert and floodplain. The Rio Grande flows through the center of this floodplain which consists mainly of cottonwood and willow bosques, man-made marshes, riparian areas, and farm fields.

Recreation and Education: Birdwatching, wildlife observation and photography, auto tour route, hiking and biking in designated areas and on designated trails, limited fishing and hunting, and Visitor Center with exhibits. Scheduled and special programs are available.

Special Note: Festival of the Cranes is held in late November.