Raasch Trail - Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
Not all hiking trails are created equal. Some trails offer breathtaking vistas, while others have little scenic value. Some trails are long, while others are short. Some trails have challenging terrain, while others are flat. A description of the Raasch Trail at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge would pull from the latter of each of these comparisons--little scenic value, short, and flat.
The Raasch Trail is an out and back trail roughly three miles in length. The trailhead is located a short distance from the refuge's visitor center at the intersection of Refuge Road and Wildlife Road (Note: this trail does not appear on Google Maps). A gate and sign mark the beginning of the trail. There is only parking space at the trailhead for a couple of cars. There are no fees to access the refuge grounds which are open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
The trail follows an old railroad line and is gravel for its entire distance. As you begin the trail, you walk through a field that is planted with wheat to feed migratory birds and deer.
Beyond the wheat field is a bridge that crosses a creek. My approach across the bridge spooked some of the refuge's birds into flying off.
Continuing past the bridge, the trail turns to prairie. Dotting the trail are numerous birdhouses.
At the .9 mile mark, the trail turns to forest. This is by far the best part of the trail. Numerous birds including sparrows, cardinals, and turkey vultures filled the trees on the day of my hike. You emerge from the forest just in time to reach the trail's end at Terry Lane (roughly 1.5 miles from the beginning of the trail), where you will begin your journey back to the trailhead.
All in all, the Raasch Trail is not a bad trail. However, if you are visiting the refuge and are looking for a short, easy hike, you will find a better experience on the Haller's Haven or Harris Creek trails. There is no fee to access Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is open sunrise to sunset. Be advised that portions of the refuge are closed during the year for hunting. Check the refuge or Friends of Hagerman websites to find dates.
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