Socorro Nature Area | New Mexico

The Socorro Nature Area is a 120-acre environmental education area in the Rio Grande Bosque. The area includes a 1/2-mile self-guiding nature walk with interpretive signs, a pond, and amphitheatre. It also has picnic tables, a group shelter, and a restroom.

Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)

  • The entrance to the Nature Area is gravel and dirt but relatively flat and level. One needs to be able to maneuver around the gate and walk into the nature area unless you first get the code to drive through.
  • There is a smaller paved parking area with several parking spots. It connects to a paved sidewalk that leads to a restroom, a shaded picnic table, an information kiosk (information panels coming soon), and the group picnic area.
  • The nature trail is 4-6 feet wide, mainly dirt with gravel throughout. It is composed of two loops that are 1.5 miles in total. One needs to be able to walk across uneven surfaces. There are several spots to stop and sit along the way. 

Know Before You Go

Fees

  • None
    • Call the Socorro Field Office to reserve dates and to get the combination to the keypad.

Facilities

  • Parking Lot, information kiosk, picnic tables, group shelter, and restroom.
    • Drinking water is not available.

Nearby Amenities

  • The nearest location to acquire food, gas, and water is in Lemitar, ~2 miles away. Travel via Nature Lane to Schmittle Rd, then continue onto CII De Lemitar to reach the gas station/travel center. 

Season/Hours

  • Socorro Nature Area is open year-round with "walk-in" access.
    • For vehicular access and/or group camping, call the Socorro Field Office at 575-835-0412. 

Special Rules

  • Camping is available for organized groups only-such as Boy Scouts, church groups, and youth groups-by reservation.
  • No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons.
  • Pets must be on a 6ft leash.
  • Please make sure to dispose of any litter in the trashcans.

Brochures, Maps and Publications

Wildlife in Area

  • Red winged blackbirds
  • Turkey vultures

Contact Us

Adventure is at Your Fingertips

Activities

Iconograph of person in the center of a spiral
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Iconograph of two people wearing backpacks and using walking sticks
HIKING
Iconograph of a picnic table
PICNICKING
Iconograph of binoculars
WILDLIFE VIEWING

Addresses

Socorro Field Office
901 S. Highway 85
Socorro
New Mexico
87801-4648

Geographic Coordinates

34.15896139, -106.8882458

Directions

Take Exit 156 (Lemitar Exit) off I-25 to the State Road 408 intersection. Turn to the east and travel 1.1 miles eastward along State Road 408 across railroad track to a "T" intersection. Turn right and travel southward for 0.2 mile, and turn left onto a maintained dirt county road. Travel 0.5 miles eastward across irrigation and drain ditches to the area.

Quicklinks