Situated along the most southern stretch of the Rio Grande, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is home to resident species like green jays, chachalacas, and great kiskadees, making it one of the top birding destinations in the world. The refuge is an important habitat for birds from the Central and Mississippi flyways that funnel through on their way to and from Central and South America. Other bird species, like the groove-billed ani, reach the northern limit of their range in South Texas and do not go much further north than deep South Texas. 

Hundreds of thousands of migrating raptors fly over the refuge in spring and fall, including broadwing hawks, northern harriers, and peregrine falcons. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge’s rarest raptors, the hook-billed kite, and gray hawk are seen occasionally. Spring warblers are abundant with more than 35 species seen, including golden-winged warbler, magnolia warbler, northern and tropical parula, American redstart, palm warbler, and yellow-breasted chat. 

Established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is positioned along an east-west and north-south juncture of two major migratory routes for many species of birds. It is also at the northernmost point for many species whose range extends south into Central and South America. The refuge is right in the middle of all this biological diversity, which is what makes this 2,088-acre parcel the ‘jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System.’ Though small in size, Santa Ana offers visitors an opportunity to see birds, butterflies, and many other species not found anywhere else in the United States beyond deep South Texas.

Zebra longwings, Julias, and Mexican bluewings are but a few of the more than 300 butterfly species found on the refuge. Peak diversity falls between October and December with a single October day known to produce a tremendous 65 documented species! The butterflies of Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge are mainly tropical, with many species occurring only as occasional migrants or transients from Mexico. 

At an ecological crossroad, Santa Ana is strategically located where the subtropical climate, gulf coast, great plains, and Chihuahuan desert meet. Here, next to the Rio Grande, you will find Sabal palms growing alongside prickly pear cactus, a habitat for the ocelot and jaguarundi, two endangered cat species known to still prowl the deep forest. Lucky visitors might see coyotes and bobcats. Look for fresh diggings left by nine-banded armadillos. Lizards, snakes, and the Texas tortoise bask in the summertime heat, and days close with Mexican free-tailed bats wheeling across star-studded skies. 

Bobcat Trail 
Open Season: Open–year round  
Length: 0.8 Miles (1.0 km) 
Surface: Caliche (gravel and sand)
Difficulty: Difficult, because you need to add an additional 1 mile to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 3.6 miles. 
Information: This is the only caliche trail that is available for bikes. It cuts down the middle of Wildlife Drive/Auto-tour loop and makes the biking ride 4 miles.  

Cattail Lakes Trail 
Open Season: Open–year round 
Length: 1.6 Miles (2.6 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Difficult, 3.2 miles roundtrip. 
Information: Meander through four distinct plant and animal communities along this 1.6-mile trail and discover the amazing biodiversity of the lower Rio Grande delta. Look for cactus wrens nesting in the prickly pear. Watch the great kiskadee pluck insects from the air! 

Chachalaca Trail 
Open Season: Open–year round 
Length: 0.5 Miles (0.8 km) 
Surface: Crushed granite and dirt
Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly trail 
Information: This is one of the most popular trails. It goes through rare subtropical woodland. Here, you will see what much of the landscape along the Rio Grande looked like before European settlers arrived. 

Jaguarundi Trail  
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 1.5 Miles (2.4 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 1 mile to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 5 miles. 
Information: Southern Trail 

 Malachite Trail
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 0.2 Miles (0.3 Km) 
Surface: Paved, Boardwalk, ADA compliant
Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly trail
Information: Take a leisurely walk on this user-friendly short trail with benches and picnic tables overlooking the pond. Watch for a variety of butterflies, waterfowl, and other colorful birds. 

Mesquite Trail  
Open Season: Open–year round 
Length: 0.4 Miles (0.3 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 2.8 miles to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 6.4 miles.
Information: Southern Trail 

Oriole Trail 
Open Season: Open-year-round 
Length: 1.2 Miles (1.9 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 1.8 miles to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 6 miles. Information: Southern Trail  

Owl Trail 
Open Season: Open–year round 
Length: 0.3 Miles (0.5 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 1.3 miles to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 3.2 miles. 
Information: The Owl trail takes you straight to the ‘Cementerio Viejo”. The “Old Cemetery” is one of the most popular attractions. The cemetery contains about 30 graves, probably of workers or descendants of Benigno Leal, and a tomb constructed of hand-made bricks.  

Pintail Lakes Trail 
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 2.0 Miles (3.2 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Difficult 
Information: This trail winds around Pintail Lake, and part of the trail parallels the Rio Grande River. 

Resaca Loop Trail 
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 1.4 Miles (2.3 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 1.7 miles to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 6.2 miles. 
Information: Southern Trail 

Tower Trail 
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 0.5 Miles (0.8 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Easy, family-friendly trail. 
Information: This short trail leads directly to Santa Ana’s unique attraction. Climb the 40-foot tower for a rewarding view of the surrounding habitat and amazing wildlife. 

Vireo Trail 
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 1.1 Miles (1.8 km) 
Surface and Difficulty: Dirt
Difficulty: Very difficult, because you need to add an additional 1.5 miles to get to the trail. Therefore, the roundtrip is 5.2 miles. 
Information: Southern Trail 

Wildlife Drive/ Auto-tour loop 
Open Season: Open-year-round 
Length: 7.0 Miles (11.3 km) 
Surface: Pavement
Difficulty: Very difficult because of the length 
Information: The auto-tour loop is the designated area for the nature Tram ride. On this ride you may see the various trails and main attractions at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can also ride their bikes on the tour loop. 

Willow Lakes Trail
Open Season: Open year round 
Length: 1.6 Miles (2.6 km) 
Surface: Dirt
Difficulty: Moderately difficult due to the length 
Information: This lush wetland attracts birds that depend on watery habitats for food and protection. Don’t miss the photo blinds, towers, and canopy walk for wildlife viewing.