Located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary encompasses 135 acres of striking landscapes and wildlife. Bounded by thousands of acres of National Forest and Santa Fe River Watershed land, the Center and Sanctuary provides a peaceful sanctuary for native plants, a variety of local wildlife and our visitors. Ranging from common to rare, approximately 190 species of birds can be found in or over the various ecosystems of this sanctuary.
Hours:
Normal operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The grounds, trails, gardens, and Nature Play Area are all accessible during this time. The visitor center is typically open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but we still have some gaps in our volunteer coverage. We appreciate your patience.
Upcoming Closures:
- Winter break: Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary will be closed December 23, 2024 to February 2, 2025, reopening February 3, 2025.
*WINTER WEATHER NOTICE: We follow Santa Fe Public Schools for winter weather delays and closures. Please refer to their communications for guidance. We also post on Facebook and Instagram for most closures. Please note that our dirt road is often icy and snowpacked and takes longer to get plowed than other locations in Santa Fe. Four-wheel drive is recommended when the road is icy and snowy. If in doubt, please schedule your visit for another day.*
Plan Your Visit
Free admission, year-round. Donations are appreciated to support our conservation and education mission.
Dogs and smoking are not permitted anywhere at the Center.
To make your visit more enjoyable for everyone, if you are a formal group larger than 5, please contact us at newmexico@audubon.org with your plans to visit. This does not pertain to families, but includes:
- bird walks
- parties
- organized hikes
- art classes or groups
- photographic sessions
- tour groups
- homeschool classes
Check out the current weather at our Center. During winter months, please call ahead if you have questions about whether or not the Audubon Center will be open. Occasionally, hazardous driving conditions force us to close for the day or to delay opening in the morning.
*Note on accessibility: Our gardens are wheelchair accessible, but currently our larger trail system is not. At this time we recommend that persons with mobility issues call ahead so that we can help accommodate handicapped parking and/or drop off.
Things To Do:
Enjoy our hiking trails and gardens. Our trails lead through several different habitats and plant zones ranging from meadows to Ponderosa Pine forests. Bring your binoculars and cameras, but please leave your dogs at home.
While you're at the Center, visit our lovely haiku trail. A map is attached below.
Play in the Nature Discovery Area
Docent-led tours of the historic Randall Davey House and Studio, Fridays at 2:00pm, $5.
Please reserve your space by emailing newmexico@audubon.org with a phone number and the number of people in your party. Tours are limited to 12 people. First come first served. Please register at least 24 hours prior to the tour date. We cannot guarantee inclusion in the tour if reservations are made, day-of.
Santa Fe’s only nature center has an unexpected artistic past. Every Friday afternoon at 2:00 PM take a trip back in time and join a docent-led tour of the historic Davey House and Studio, preserved in its original state from the mid 1900’s. Keep an eye out for original furnishings, mural paintings and the prohibition-era hidden bar!
Please note that the house is not ADA accessible. If you have concerns about whether you or a member of your party will be able to negotiate the stairs, please call to discuss. The length of the tours vary between 1-1/2 hours.
Special tours given at group rates. Please contact the Center for more information and to schedule: newmexico@audubon.org.
Guided Bird Walk Meetups, every Saturday at 8:30 AM, Free
Join us at the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary every Saturday morning at 8:30 am for a guided bird walk led by experienced volunteer birders. The walk is one of the best ways to get to know the local birds. For both experienced and novice birders, you’re sure to discover new species and witness them in their natural habitat. Binoculars are available to borrow. All experience levels welcome. No RSVP required.
About the Center:
Randall Davey
A vanguard of modern art, Randall Davey was an important part of the Santa Fe Art Colony, and was a skilled painter, printmaker and sculptor. Davey successfully practiced his art here in his studio until his death in 1964. In 1983, the Davey family generously gifted the property to the National Audubon Society to be preserved as a wildlife sanctuary, and used as an educational, cultural and historical center. Davey’s works, along with antique furnishings and personal memorabilia are exhibited in house, art studio and administrative offices.
Natural History
From riverside riparian areas to pinon-juniper woodland, visitors can explore many different kinds of ecosystems and wildlife. Pick up a bird, mammal or plant list for your visit.
For a Complete Guide to the Authentic Santa Fe Experience go to: SantaFeSelection.com Travel Guide and Concierge
The Historic Property
How you can help, right now
Support Us
Where birds thrive, people prosper. Invest in the Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary today and help preserve it for future generations.
Birds at the Center
Ranging from common to rare, approximately 190 species of birds can be found in or over the various ecosystems of this sanctuary.