This popular 14.2-mile loop road is open to bicyclists and hikers (2023). Once a popular driving route, the loop was closed to motor vehicle traffic after an ocelot was killed. The road may be reopened to traffic once mitigation plans are completed. The route passes through Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat and along the edge of Laguna Madre. From the road a wide variety of waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds can be observed.

From the Granjeno trailhead opposite the refuge visitor center, a 3.1-mile hike goes through Tamaulipas thorn shrub and marsh habitat to the Plover Observation Deck overlooking Laguna Madre. If you don't want the 14-plus mile full loop, you can make this an out-and-back walk.

Laguna Atascosa was established in 1946 to provide habitats for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, principally redhead ducks. Today, there is an expanded emphasis that includes endangered species conservation and management for shorebirds. The refuge is a premiere bird-watching destination with more recorded species of birds than any other refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The refuge is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. There is something for everyone, with over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails. Maps and a self-pay station are located on the right-hand side of the visitor center door. The refuge has five bird feeding stations and four water features around the visitor center. The visitor center trails are ADA accessible, and at 0.8 of a mile, with plenty of bird viewing areas, the trails are a birder's must! Once you get your birding in, take a beautiful scenic bike ride around the 14.2-mile loop of Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (STWD). The only driving trail is Lakeside Drive. This trail will take you to Osprey Overlook; Osprey Overlook overlooks our 3,500-acre freshwater lake named after the refuge. There are multiple trailheads near this location, Gator Pond, Scum Pond, and County Trail. One of our most popular hikes is going south on the Gator Pond, turning east on Mud Trail, and then north on Scum Pond; this short 3-mile hike is excellent for every outdoor enthusiast.