New Mexico · Hiking

Nature Loop

1.2 mi
distance
43 ft
climb
4,836 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
best months

Nature Loop is a short, easy loop on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is about 1.2 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 43 feet, so it's a gentle walk that starts and ends at nearly the same level. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Socorro show April and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average in the low 90s with more wet days. The loop makes an easy pairing with other trails on the refuge. Mesa View Trail and Entry Gate Trail both start about 0.1 mile away, and Ladrones Vista Trail is about 0.7 mile off. Unit A Birding Trail is roughly 3.7 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–May, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Nature Loop

    Best months: March–May and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      51° / 22°

      4 wet

    2. Feb

      57° / 27°

      3 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 35°

      3 wet

    4. Apr

      74° / 42°

      2 wet

    5. May

      83° / 51°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      93° / 60°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      94° / 65°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 63°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 56°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 43°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 31°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      50° / 23°

      4 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Socorro 20 N, NM, 0.4 mi away at 4,847 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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