From Magdalena you can head out in any direction and discover unlimited fun and adventure. Surrounded by National Forests, the opportunities for hiking, bicycling, motorcycling, four-wheeling, horse-back riding, photography and hunting abound. Information and maps are available at the USFS Magdalena Ranger Station, as well as plenty of friendly advice on the best trails and back roads through the region.
Hunting
Hunters from all over the country converge on Magdalena during September, October and November to take on the challenge of some of the best hunting in the United States – primarily elk, pronghorn and deer. The New Mexico Department of Fish and Game carefully manages the distribution of hunting tags and licenses to best maintain healthy populations of wild game. Its web site contains all the information you need to begin your hunt.
For successful hunters, Dave's Wild Game Processing can help you process your game and overnight freezing is available. Call (575)835-3051
To arrange accommodations for your hunting party, visit the Lodging page.
Parks & National Forests
Magdalena is surrounded by thousands of square miles of national parks, national forests, wilderness areas and other public lands. Below are a few links that will get you started in planning that ultimate outdoor excursion.
The following links lead to outside web sites:
- US Forest Service (USDA)
- National Park Service (USDI)
- BLM Socorro Field Office – Outdoor Recreation
- New Mexico State Parks Division
- Public Lands Information Center
Hiking & Mountain Bike Trails
New Mexico has an abundance of trails for hiking and biking, along with places to rock-climb.
The PDF files below are helpful guides to your hiking experience, courtesy of the US Forest Service ranger station in Magdalena. You will need the Adobe Reader® to view or download.
Hiking Guides (warning: large files)
Magdalena Mountains - Trail Descriptions
NOTE: Trail #21 has private property
Please respect 'No Trespassing' signs. Do not access at owners request - nor use water tank.
San Mateo Mountains - Trail Descriptions
North San Mateo Mountains - Trail Maps
South San Mateo Mountains - Trail Maps
The following link leads to an outside web site:
Road Trip
Adventure and scenery await just down the road. Select a link below to find out more.
The following links lead to outside web sites:
- Bat Cave - San Augustin
- Caballo/Hillsboro/Kingston
- Datil/Pie Town/Quemado
- Gran Quivira
- Lincoln County War
- Luna Ruins
- Ojo Caliente
- Reserve
- Reserve/Frisco Box
- San Antonio
- Sevilleta Wildlife Refuge
- UFO Site - Socorro
Animals
New Mexico is filled with interesting wildlife. Learn more about the state's animals by following the links below.
The following links lead to outside web sites:
Plant Life
New Mexico is filled with a beautiful array of plants. Find out more by following the link below.
The following link leads to an outside web site:
Shooting
Head back to the old west with Cowboy Action Shooting in the town of "Old Magdalena" just west of the village. For more information visit these sites:
The following links lead to outside web sites:
- Magdalena Trail Drivers (local CAS shooting club)
- BangNClang Bullets - for all Cowboy Action Shooter calibers (local cast bullet supplier)
- Single Action Shooting Society (SASS)
Flying
The Magdalena Municipal Airport is just west of the village.
Airport Information
Runway Map
All photographs © Rolf Magener. Not to be used without permission of the photographer.
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