About Bosque del Apache Wilderness
The Bosque del Apache Wilderness now contains a total of 30,427 acres and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. All of the Wilderness is in the state of New Mexico. In 1975 the Bosque del Apache Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. Bosque del Apache NWR has three Wilderness Areas. They are the 5,429-acre Chupadera Wilderness, all refuge land west of Interstate 25; the 5,139-acre Indian Well Unit, just across the interstate from the Chupadera Wilderness; and the Little San Pascual Wilderness, which covers 19,859 acres just east of the Rio Grande.
How to Get There
Chupadera Peak, Indian Wells, and Little San Pascual Wilderness Areas are all located on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 16 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico. To get here, travel approximately 8 miles south of Socorro on I-25. Take Exit 139 and travel east on Hwy 380 to San Antonio. Turn south on Hwy 1 approximately 8 miles to the Refuge Visitor Center. There you can recieve information and directions on how to access the Wilderness Areas and Refuge Regulations.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Bosque del Apache Wilderness
Heading to Bosque del Apache Wilderness? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bosque del Apache Wilderness?
No central reservation system listed for Bosque del Apache Wilderness. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/12791) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bosque del Apache Wilderness?
Chupadera Peak, Indian Wells, and Little San Pascual Wilderness Areas are all located on Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 16 miles south of Socorro, New Mexico. To get here, travel approximately 8 miles south of Socorro on I-25. Take Exit 139 and travel east on Hwy 380 to San Antonio. Turn south on Hwy 1 approximately 8 miles to the Refuge Visitor Center. There you can rec…
How do I contact Bosque del Apache Wilderness?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-835-1828.
References & Official Resources
