We Love Our National Parks, but This New Mexico State Park Is Just as Beautiful, Memorable, and Worthwhile

It’s easy to see why New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. This southwestern gem is home to a stunning mix of landscapes, from jagged rock formations and sweeping deserts to hidden mountain forests.

That variety shows up in the amount of protected land across the state. In fact, the National Park Service manages 15 sites within New Mexico, including two national parks (Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park), nine national monuments, two national historical parks, and one national preserve. Three national historic trails also pass through the state, bringing the total to 18 NPS-managed sites.

Beyond these federally protected areas, New Mexico is also home to nearly three dozen state parks—and they’re quite fantastic. Outdoor recreation is a big part of life here, and these parks help support local economies across the state. Like New Mexico’s national parks, the state parks are well worth a visit.

One standout example is Cimarron Canyon State Park, located about an hour east of Taos. It has plenty to offer—here’s a closer look.

Cimarron Canyon State Park isn’t huge—at about 378 acres, it’s relatively small. Even so, it’s big on scenery. The park sits at elevations around 7,500 feet and follows the Cimarron River through a long, narrow stretch alongside U.S. Highway 64.

Along the route, you’ll find several day-use areas and four campgrounds with about 94 developed campsites. Visitors come from across the state to camp, hike, fish, hunt, picnic, and watch wildlife in Cimarron Canyon State Park.

Speaking of wildlife, it’s everywhere! Birds swoop above the canyon and pause at the river for a drink, while animals like deer, elk, black bears, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even porcupines roam the area. Anglers enjoy fishing for brown and rainbow trout in the Cimarron River. Visit at the right time, and the canyon bursts with colorful wildflowers, making this high-elevation park feel like a hidden natural playground.

Another highlight of Cimarron Canyon State Park is the Palisades Sill. These towering cliffs are made of dacite, a volcanic rock composed mostly of feldspar and quartz. Rising above the canyon, they create one of the park’s most striking natural features.

Hiking is a popular pastime in Cimarron Canyon State Park. Many visitors enjoy walking along the river or following the scenic drive route through the park. For those who want more of a challenge, the Clear Creek Trail is a great option. This out-and-back trail is a little over four miles with more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and offers some rewarding views.

For an even greater challenge, the Tolby Creek Trail to Mount Phillips begins near the park. This trail is rated hard and spans about 23 miles, with roughly 4,366 feet of elevation gain on the way to the summit of Mount Phillips.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at Cimarron Canyon State Park, you’re bound to be impressed. Though relatively small, the park offers plenty to see and explore. With so much to experience across New Mexico, it’s well worth adding this stop to your list—you may find yourself returning again.

For more information on hours, alerts, and current conditions, visit the official page of Cimarron Canyon State Park through the website of New Mexico State Parks.

To plan your next adventure, check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more places to visit across the country.