New Mexico · Hiking

Sparrow Loop

0.6 mi
distance
4,517 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Easy
difficulty
Mar–Apr, Oct
best months

Sparrow Loop is a short, easy loop of about half a mile on the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is nearly flat, with a high point of about 4,517 feet and a low of about 4,506 feet, so it adds no elevation gain to a day on foot. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at the refuge show October highs around 79°F with lows near 37°F, and April highs around 78°F. Summer is hot, with July and August highs near 97°F and more wet days. The loop makes a quick stop, and it pairs easily with other trails in the refuge. Elmendorf Trail is about 0.2 miles away, and Marsh Overlook Trail is about 0.6 miles off. Canyon National Recreation Trail and Pack Trail are both within about 2 miles.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Apr, Oct

    Best time to visit Sparrow Loop

    Best months: March–April and 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

      57° / 20°

      2 wet

    2. Feb

      63° / 24°

      2 wet

    3. Mar

      71° / 30°

      2 wet

    4. Apr

      78° / 37°

      2 wet

    5. May

      87° / 45°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      97° / 54°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      97° / 61°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      94° / 59°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      89° / 51°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      79° / 37°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      67° / 27°

      3 wet

    12. Dec

      57° / 20°

      3 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bosque Del Apache, NM, 2.3 mi away at 4,512 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors