Visit Wilderness

Location

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.

Maps

Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.

Online Maps

• Interactive Map of the Bosque del Apache Wilderness

• Google Earth

• New Mexico Wildernesses

Printed Maps

• Fetching MyTopo from Database
• USGS Store

Applicable Wilderness Law(s)

General Trip Planning Information

Please plan your trip to make sure you are back by dark. Take precations, and remember you are in rattlesnake country. At any time of the year you should carry plenty of water with you. This is especially important in the summer months when the temperature can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Light colored clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a good pair of hiking boots are also recommended.

Two of the Wilderness Areas have designated trails, Chupadera Peak and the Indian Wells Wilderness Areas. Chupadera Peak is a 9.5 mile round trip trail leading you up to the peak at an elevation of 6,195 ft. The trail also has a 3 mile round trip loop which takes you to a lower elevation overlook at 4,480 ft. Within the Indian Wells Wilderness Area is Canyon Trail. This interpretive trail is 2.2 miles long round trip and takes visitors through Solitude Canyon and up to a scenic overlook of the refuge and surrounding Wilderness Area.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking, bird watching, wildlife observation, botanical exploration, environmental education and interpretation, hunting (mule deer, oryx, small game and quail) and just enjoying the view.

Climate and Special Equipment Needs

The climate of the region is semi-arid. Temperature extremes vary from 70 degrees to 104 degrees F., with the coldest month, January, averaging 22 degrees F., and the hottest, July, averaging 94 degrees F. The average growing season for the area is approximately 150-180 days, from April 15 to October 20. Strong winds, usually accompanied by dust, are common from January through June.

Average annual rainfall is 7.74 inches with August receiving the highest amount of precipitation. Because of the valley's high water table, several flooded areas are usually observed in the area. However, on the mesas and ridges very little water is pooled due to the sandy soil and high amount of runoff.

Safety and Current Conditions

You will be in rattlesnake and mountain lion country. Always be aware of your surroundings, but do enjoy your visit. Lions are most active in early morning and after dark. Plan your trip accordingly to ensure you are out of the wilderness prior to dark. Some areas of both trails have steep drop offs, please remain on designated trails.

Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?

People who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Groups are listed alphabetically by the state(s) in which the wilderness is located.