Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary wilderness guide
Nature Sanctuary · NM

Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

The Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a peaceful retreat into nature with its diverse wildlife and lush landscapes, making it a favored spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Nature Sanctuary1352+ Trails

Designation

Nature Sanctuary

Total Wilderness Area

135

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

The Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a peaceful retreat into nature with its diverse wildlife and lush landscapes, making it a favored spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary spans over 135 acres, providing a haven for a wide variety of plant and animal life. The center's diverse ecosystems, including riparian woodlands and mixed conifer forests, allow visitors to experience a rich diversity of birds and wildlife. The center is named after Randall Davey, a well-known artist whose historic home still stands on the property and is an integral part of the visitor experience. It plays a pivotal role in environmental education, offering programs and tours that foster a deeper understanding of local ecology and conservation efforts. Popular activities include bird watching, guided nature walks, and self-guided tours around the center's trails. Visitors can expect to see numerous bird species, among them the rare and beautiful broad-tailed hummingbird and the Dusky Grouse. With its serene landscapes and historical significance, the sanctuary appeals to both nature lovers and those interested in the region's cultural history.

Field Guide · Nature Sanctuary
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

The historic Randall Davey House, a tour highlight showcasing early 20th-century architecture and art.Abundant opportunities for birdwatching within the diverse landscapes.Educational programs and trails that educate about local ecology and conservation.Peaceful gardens ideal for contemplation and natural immersion.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Guided Nature Tours

Available in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee is required, but donations are appreciated.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Santa Fe, New Mexico
4.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and more in the stunning landscapes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and beyond.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Tesuque, New Mexico
5.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tesuque, New Mexico

Tesuque, New Mexico offers a serene desert escape rich with Native American culture and outdoor adventure. Enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and birding amid the stunning Sangre de Cristo foothills close to Santa Fe.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Glorieta, New Mexico
9.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glorieta, New Mexico

Glorieta, New Mexico, is a peaceful town offering access to canyon hikes, mountain biking trails, and historic Civil War sites. Surrounded by forests and wilderness, it’s perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventure with a quiet Southwestern atmosphere.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Eldorado at Santa Fe, New Mexico
11.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eldorado at Santa Fe, New Mexico

Eldorado at Santa Fe offers quiet outdoor access just minutes from Santa Fe’s cultural hub. With mountain trails, river routes, and winter skiing nearby, it's a great gateway for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Pecos, New Mexico
13.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pecos, New Mexico

Pecos is a charming haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, fishing, and more. The area's historical presence and natural beauty make it a unique adventure destination.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Nambe, New Mexico
14.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nambe, New Mexico

Nambe, New Mexico offers quiet outdoor adventures with hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching amid high desert and forest landscapes. This small town is an excellent basecamp for exploring Nambe Falls and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Tracing Fire and Memory: The Jemez Super Volcano in the Santa Fe Foothills
ADVEXPEDITION
Santa Fe Foothills, New Mexico
Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Tracing Fire and Memory: The Jemez Super Volcano in the Santa Fe Foothills

A seven-hour sightseeing tour that threads volcanic caldera, ancient Pueblo ruins and the Manhattan Project footprint—this guide helps you read the layers of a landscape forged by a million-year-old eruption.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Through the Studio Door: An Intimate Online Visit with Pat Pecorella
ADVEXPEDITION
Santa Fe, New Mexico
AttractionADV Bookable

Through the Studio Door: An Intimate Online Visit with Pat Pecorella

A virtual studio tour in which artist Pat Pecorella guides viewers through her gestural abstractions, explaining how a life-changing stay in Japan and the high desert of New Mexico shape her work — this guide orients travelers to what to expect and how to prepare.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Inside Light: A Virtual Studio Visit with Diane Best
ADVEXPEDITION
Santa Fe, New Mexico
AttractionADV Bookable

Inside Light: A Virtual Studio Visit with Diane Best

A live online studio tour that takes you into painter-photographer Diane Best’s Santa Fe workspace to examine her processes and desert-inspired work.

AttractionPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip