Paseo del Rio Trail
Located between Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte, the Paseo del Rio Trail follows the Rio Grande through a corridor of wetlands, ponds, cottonwoods, willows, and desert vegetation. This easy, accessible trail offers some of the best birding opportunities in the immediate area, combining riparian habitat with open water and surrounding desert landscapes. With more than 275 bird species recorded in the area, Paseo del Rio is widely regarded as one of Sierra County's premier birding locations.
What to Expect
Visitors will encounter a mix of ponds, marshy areas, river habitat, cottonwood stands, and desert vegetation. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of visitors, making it an excellent location for casual birdwatching as well as more dedicated birding excursions.
Because water is present year-round, bird activity can be productive in every season. The combination of riparian habitat and nearby open desert attracts everything from waterfowl and wading birds to warblers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, and raptors.
Birds You May See
Species vary throughout the year, but commonly observed or documented birds include:
Great Blue Heron
Great Egret
Pied-billed Grebe
American Coot
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mexican Duck
Osprey
Bald Eagle (winter)
Turkey Vulture
White-throated Swift
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Black Phoebe
Say's Phoebe
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Gray Flycatcher
Bell's Vireo
Common Raven
Verdin
Cactus Wren
Pyrrhuloxia
Phainopepla
Blue Grosbeak
Summer Tanager
Yellow-breasted Chat
Common Yellowthroat
Lucy's Warbler
Wilson's Warbler
White-crowned Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
The area's rich riparian habitat attracts numerous migratory species during spring and fall, helping make Paseo del Rio one of the most species-rich birding locations in the county.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May)
Spring migration often brings the greatest variety of species. Warblers, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, tanagers, and hummingbirds can be especially active during this period.
Summer (June-August)
Breeding birds occupy the riparian corridor, while resident species remain active around ponds, marshes, and the river.
Fall (September-November)
Southbound migrants move through the Rio Grande corridor, creating excellent birding opportunities throughout the trail.
Winter (December-February)
Waterfowl, sparrows, raptors, and other winter visitors can often be observed around the ponds and river channel.
Best Time of Day
Early morning typically provides the highest bird activity and the best lighting conditions for wildlife photography. The trail can also be productive in the late afternoon, particularly near water features and heavily vegetated areas.
Getting There
The Paseo del Rio Trail is located at Fish Hatchery Park on Highway 181/State Road 195 between Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte. The trail is approximately one mile in length and follows portions of the Rio Grande and adjacent wetlands. Parking is available nearby, and the route is accessible year-round.
Birding Tip
Move slowly and listen carefully along the vegetation bordering the ponds and river. Many of the trail's most sought-after species, including warblers, chats, vireos, and flycatchers, often remain hidden within dense riparian vegetation. A visit during spring migration can produce an impressive variety of birds within a relatively short walk.