Take the University Exit from I-25 (the middle exit) for Las Vegas. Turn east (toward Tucumcari) on NM 104. After 1.5 miles turn sourh on NM281 and follow it to the refuge.
The refuge contains a number of lakes used by wintering waterfowl. This refuge is best visited during the fall, winter, and spring. Waterfowl include a large variety of ducks, geese, Sandhill Crane, and raptors. Because of the water, numerous migrants are here. The refuge offices are open on weekdays so stop at the refuge headquarters (3) for a map and checklist. The tour route through part of the refuge is open in the fall only. NM281 is open year round as is the dirt road behind McAllister Lake and by Brown's Marsh. All along the this route scan the trees, power poles and sky for hawks and eagles. On the way to the refuge (particularly in spring and fall) scan the roadsides (1) for sparrows. Widgeon Lake (2) can be scanned from the road. Even if the headquarters (3) is not open, scan the trees and irrigation canal. Crane Lake (4) has an observation platform that overlooks the entire lake. The lakes on the other side of the road from crane lake can be scanned from the highway. The road passes over a small stream (5) with a marsh on both sides. This area has been very productive for both Virginia Rail and Sora. McAllister Lake (6) is owned by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department. The area is open for boating, fishing, and camping in the spring, summer, and fall, but is closed in the winter. If the area is open, a dirt road leads around the bottom and up the west side. There are a number of marshy areas that are worth investigation, particularly in migration. Brown's Marsh (7) contains many of the same birds seen elsewhere on this loop, but also has some of the better area for shorebirds (and is closer to the road so that they can be seen). The Las Vegas area has had a number of unusual birds. A Surf Scoter spent the winter on McAllister. A Prothonotary Warbler was seen one fall at the lake.
