Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is a unique urban wildlife refuge located in Albuquerque’s South Valley. Established in 2012 on what was once agricultural land, the refuge is gradually being restored into native bosque habitat and wetlands along the Rio Grande. It’s a peaceful place for a walk, birdwatching, photography, or simply escaping the city for a little while.

The Southwest’s First Urban Wildlife Refuge

Valle de Oro was created to bring nature closer to the people of Albuquerque. It was the first national wildlife refuge in the Southwest designed specifically for an urban community, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and environmental education minutes from Albuquerque.

Things to Do

• Walk or bike easy trails.
• Watch for sandhill cranes, ducks, hawks, and other migratory birds.
• Visit the visitor center and learn about local conservation efforts.

Fun Facts

• Valle de Oro means “Valley of Gold” in Spanish.
• The refuge covers nearly 570 acres in Albuquerque’s South Valley.
• Before becoming a wildlife refuge, the property was used as a dairy farm.
• Thousands of native cottonwoods, willows, and wetland plants have been planted as part of the restoration effort.