The Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge is located four miles past of Alamosa on Hwy. 160, then two miles south on El Rancho Lane, approximately 50 miles from the town of South Fork. When visiting the refuge remember to bring your binoculars, since it encompasses 11,168 acres bordered by the Rio Grande. The refuge provides a habitat for a diverse group of species. Careful watchers will spot high flying hawks, eagles, geese, ducks and the occasional whooping crane.
Mule deer are also a common find on the refuge.
The best time to visit the refuge is in early spring and fall when large flocks of birds can be seen coming and going, according to the season. The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is located six miles south of Monte Vista on Hwy. 15, only 45 miles from South Fork. This to provides an exceptional vantage point during the spring and fall to watch the migrating birds. Monte Vista's refuge offers a self guided driving loop leading you through the refuge.