Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel

Explore the Wonders Beyond Kiva

Experience New Mexico’s Wild Side

The Bernardo Wildlife Area is a peaceful 1,600-acre refuge of wetlands and grasslands along the Rio Grande. It’s a favorite spot for viewing thousands of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and other migratory birds. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 3-mile loop drive, observation decks, and beautiful open skies that capture the wild spirit of New Mexico.

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Bird-watching

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Wildlife photography

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Scenic driving tour

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Relax in nature

A Sanctuary for Birds, Wildlife, and Wonder

Explore a serene landscape where thousands of birds, peaceful marshes, and New Mexico’s golden light come together in perfect harmony.

Bosque del Apache

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Witness the Great Migration

Each winter, thousands of Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese fill the skies at sunrise and sunset, creating one of the most breathtaking wildlife displays in North America.

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Visit the Interactive Visitor Center

Learn about radio astronomy through engaging exhibits, short films, and a self-guided science experience. Don’t miss the documentary narrated by Jodie Foster from Contact.

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Explore the Nature Trails

Stroll along peaceful boardwalks and desert paths surrounded by natural beauty and diverse wildlife habitats.

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Visit the Wildlife Visitor Center

Stop by for educational exhibits, refuge maps, and helpful staff who share insights about the area’s conservation and ecosystem.

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Capture Nature’s Best Moments

From glowing sunsets to vast bird flocks taking flight, this is a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Enjoy Sunrise and Sunset Views

Experience the magic of New Mexico’s skies as the light transforms the wetlands and mountains into a canvas of color.

Escape to the Serenity of Escondida Lake

Just north of Socorro, Escondida Lake is a peaceful escape surrounded by open skies and calm waters. Visitors can fish for trout or catfish, camp near the shore, or simply unwind and enjoy the scenery. With picnic areas and quiet lakeside views, it’s the perfect spot to relax and recharge in nature.

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Step into the Wild Landscapes of Sevilleta

Just a few miles south of the park, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge showcases New Mexico’s desert beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can stop by the Visitor Center, join guided tours, or enjoy limited seasonal activities like hunting and educational programs.

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Hike Scenic Trails

Explore well-marked trails like the Mesa View Trail, Ladrones Vista Trail, and Nature Loop, each offering panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding mountain ranges.

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Go Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

Home to over 250 bird species and diverse desert wildlife, Sevilleta is a paradise for birders and photographers. Spot hawks, eagles, quail, mule deer, and more across four unique ecosystems.

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Enjoy Horseback Riding Adventures

Ride through vast open landscapes and scenic desert paths for a true Southwestern experience. Horseback riding gives visitors a peaceful, up-close connection with nature.

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Visit the Sevilleta Visitor Center

Learn about the refuge’s ecology, history, and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational programs hosted by staff and volunteers.

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Join Guided Hikes and Events

Participate in Friends of Sevilleta events, including full-moon hikes, wildflower walks, and seasonal birding tours that deepen your understanding of the area’s natural wonders.

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Capture the Perfect Photo

From dramatic desert sunsets to roaming wildlife and expansive mountain backdrops, Sevilleta is a dream location for landscape and nature photographers.

Explore the Iconic Very Large Array in Socorro

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Explore the World-Famous Very Large Array

One of the most advanced radio astronomy observatories on Earth, the VLA features 27 massive dish antennas arranged in a dramatic Y-shaped formation across the Plains of San Agustín.

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Visit the Interactive Visitor Center

Learn about radio astronomy through engaging exhibits, short films, and a self-guided science experience. Don’t miss the documentary narrated by Jodie Foster from Contact.

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Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Walk the outdoor path among towering antennas, visit the radio sundial, and stand at the base of one of these incredible machines.

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Join a Guided Tour

On select Saturdays, knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights about how the VLA explores the universe using radio waves.

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Capture the Iconic Landscape

The VLA’s striking white dishes set against New Mexico’s desert skies make it a dream location for photography and stargazing.

Ride the Scenic Rail Runner Adventure

Take a short drive to Belen, NM and hop aboard the Rail Runner Express for a scenic ride to Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Make it a relaxing day trip as you enjoy local sights, lunch, and the vibrant art scene in Santa Fe.

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Catch the Train from Belen

Start your adventure at the Belen Station and enjoy a relaxing ride through New Mexico’s stunning scenery on your way to Albuquerque or Santa Fe.

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Discover Albuquerque Without Driving

Explore downtown Albuquerque’s museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions—all easily accessible from the train.

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Spend a Day in Santa Fe

Take a one-way trip to Santa Fe to enjoy its art galleries, historic plaza, and local charm, then ride the train back for a stress-free journey.

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Enjoy Scenic Views Along the Way

Watch the landscape transform from desert plains to high desert hills, passing pueblo lands and river valleys along your route.

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Plan a Car-Free Day Trip

Leave your vehicle behind and enjoy a full day of exploration with convenient access to major stops right from your train seat.

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Salinas Pueblo Missions

National Monument

The Ancient Route of El Camino Real

The El Camino Real Historic Trail Site in San Antonio, NM offers a glimpse into the historic trade route’s past through engaging exhibits, scenic views, and trails that celebrate the spirit of early travelers.

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Drive the Historic Route

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Enjoy the Scenic Grounds

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Explore the Museum Exhibits

Ladron Mountain

Where Desert Meets the Sky

Ladrón Mountain, visible from our RV park, offers stunning sunset views and a touch of mystery. Legends speak of hidden gold and the face of a sleeping Indian Chief in its slopes. Its name, meaning “thief” in Spanish, reflects its past as a hideout for raiders and rustlers.

Hiking and Exploration

Hike from desert foothills to forested slopes., revealing sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley and New Mexico’s landscapes.

Wildlife and Photography

Discover native wildlife and capture breathtaking views of golden eagles, mule deer, and dramatic rock formations under vibrant desert skies.

Scenic Drives and Sightseeing

Take a relaxing drive around the mountain’s base to enjoy its towering presence, unique geology, and the peaceful beauty of the surrounding wilderness.

Stay, Ride, and Explore the Spirit of the Southwest

Experience spacious RV sites, caring horse facilities, and the timeless beauty of New Mexico’s desert landscapes.