The One Place In New Mexico That Offers The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

New Mexico has so many outdoor recreation opportunities that it can be difficult to find something new. Here are two little state parks that are seriously underrated - and they're located along one of the state's most beautiful scenic loops. Check it out!

You'll find Eagle Nest Lake State Park along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in northern New Mexico. Cimarron Canyon State Park is just a few miles east of the lake. The community of Eagle Nest is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Eagle Nest Lake State Park sits at 8,300 feet in elevation, where the weather is cool and the view is scenic.

This park and the mountains surrounding it are full of wildlife, including elk, deer, wild turkeys and even prairie dogs.

Anglers love this pretty lake - it's full of trout and salmon.

You're also likely to land a Northern pike or two. This invasive species threatens the population of other fish, so anglers are encouraged to catch and keep as many as they'd like.

The mountain views are breathtaking - even during the winter.

In fact, winter is a popular time to visit Eagle Nest Lake State Park. It's a great spot for ice fishing.

The Sangre de Cristo mountains are spectacular.

Take a short drive up Cimarron Canyon to Cimmaron Canyon State Park, where you'll find some shady hiking trails.

Several waterfalls provide picture-perfect scenery aong the Clear Creek Canyon Trail.

The Palisades Sill is the crown jewel of the park. The Cimarron River cut through these cliffs millions of years ago.

Stay the night at either Eagle Nest Lake or Cimarron Canyon State Parks - both offer developed campsites.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit, when the trees are in full fall splendor.

Have you visited either of these state parks? Tell us about your adventure there!

For more New Mexico adventures, take a drive along Route 66, and explore these 10 stops along the way.