I recently visited the southern border national wildlife refuge as part of a 35-mile bike loop adventure. Although the visitors center was closed during our visit, the well-maintained facilities, including accessible bathrooms, made our stop comfortable.

The refuge itself is a stunning desert landscape, boasting an abundance of wildlife. From majestic birds of prey to lively havalina and countless little critters, the diversity of species is truly captivating. Our most memorable encounter was with a massive mule deer, adding an unexpected thrill to our journey as it fearlessly chased us downhill before gracefully crossing our path and disappearing into the vast desert. This refuge is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.