About San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
San Andres National Wildlife Refuge was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt under Executive Order 8646 on January 22, 1941 ‘for the conservation and development of natural wildlife resources’. The refuge’s primary resource management emphasis focused on restoring a remnant population of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis mexicana). Located in the southern portion of the San Andres mountain range in south central New Mexico, the refuge encompasses 57,215 acres and extends over 21 miles long and 6 miles wide. This area is the northern most extension of the Chihuahuan Desert and one of the largest connecting, relatively undisturbed Chihuahuan Desert land masses in the United States. The steep east slopes rise from 5,000 feet above sea level to an elevation of 8,900 feet on top of San Andres Peak. The refuge terrain is steep, rugged mountains and deep canyons. Vegetation communities range from Chihuahuan desert scrub in the lower elevations to pinyon-juniper woodlands at higher elevations. The refuge contains isolated spring-generated riparian areas tucked deep into its canyons, the only riparian habitat between the Sacramento Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande River to the west. The San Andres Mountains have had a rich and colorful history. Evidence of early Native Americans including the Mogollon culture has been found on the Refuge dating back to 900 AD. Later, Apache tribes defended this land from European invaders until the 1880s. For centuries Spanish explorers and others came and went along the west edge of the San Andres along the Camino Real. Legends persist of lost Spanish gold throughout the mountains. Settlers in northern Mexico braved Apache reprisal to gather salt from spring-fed playas in the Tularosa Basin. On their “salt road,” they drank from San Nicholas Spring below the Refuge and the tracks from their wooden carts are still visible today in areas. Several skirmishes were fought between Apache Chief Victorio and the United States
How to Get There
The refuge administrative office is located 10 miles east of the I-25 and Highway 70 intersection, on the outskirts of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The office is on the north side of Highway 70 and requires navigating a one-way frontage road heading west. If using a navigation app, be sure to input the street address of the refuge office, 5686 Santa Gertrudis Dr. Entering “San Andres National Wildlife Refuge” will take you to the wrong place. From the East (Alamogordo): take Highway 70 westbound to the exit for Brahman Road. Stay westbound on the frontage road (Bataan Memorial Highway). Go straight through the stop sign. Santa Gertrudis Drive will be the third street on the right, marked with a green street sign. The office is on the corner of Santa Gertrudis Drive and the frontage road. The Complex entrance gate faces to the west. If the front gate is open, the office is open. From the west (Las Cruces): from I-25, take Exit 6 for US Highway 70 eastbound. Drive 10 miles and take the exit for Brahman Road. From the eastbound frontage road (Bataan Memorial Highway), take the U-turn lane to the left under Highway 70 on to the westbound frontage road. Santa Gertrudis Drive will be the first street on the right, marked with a green street sign. The office is on the corner of Santa Gertrudis Drive and the frontage road. The Complex entrance gate faces to the west. If the front gate is open, the office is open.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to San Andres National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to San Andres National Wildlife Refuge? 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 San Andres National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for San Andres National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3963) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to San Andres National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge administrative office is located 10 miles east of the I-25 and Highway 70 intersection, on the outskirts of Las Cruces, New Mexico. The office is on the north side of Highway 70 and requires navigating a one-way frontage road heading west. If using a navigation app, be sure to input the street address of the refuge office, 5686 Santa Gertrudis Dr. Entering “San Andres National Wildlife …
How do I contact San Andres National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-382-5047 or email: lorie_hardin@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
