These 14 State Parks In New Mexico Are Ideal For Outdoor Adventure
You’ve heard of some of New Mexico’s national monuments, but what about our state parks? We actually have 35 state parks, and visiting them is a great way to explore the Land of Enchantment. No matter the time of year, here are 14 of the best state parks in New Mexico that you don’t want to miss.
This is New Mexico's biggest state park. It's great for boating and all types of water sports. The sandy beaches are ideal for picnicking too. Visit the Elephant Butte State Park website for more information.
2. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, near Alamogordo
Highlights of this park, which abuts the Sacramento Mountains, include an interpretative trail that focuses on the flora and fauna found in this oasis. The Dog Canyon Trail is also a popular, if strenuous, hike. Visit the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park website for more information.
The lakes in this park are all sinkholes, which range from 19-40 feet in depth. But the water looks much deeper than it is. The reason for that is the aquatic plants that give the water a blue-green hue, creating the illusion that the water is bottomless.. You can swim and even scuba dive in this park! Visit the Bottomless Lakes State Park website for more information.
4. City of Rocks State Park, between Silver City and Deming
The volcanic rocks in this park date back 34.9 million years. You can weave through passages between the rock columns, some of which stand 40 feet high. Popular activities include stargazing, birding, and mountain biking. Visit the City of Rocks State Park website for more information.
In 1916, Pancho Villa, the Mexican revolutionary leader, crossed the border with 1500 guerrilla fighters, killed 19 Americans, and burned the town of Columbus. This park, right near the border with Mexico, is devoted to the history of the Pancho Villa Raid, Camp Furlong, and the U.S. response to this attack. Visit the Pancho Villa State Park website for more information.
6. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park near Carlsbad
This small zoo houses 40 species of animals and also plants that are native to the Chihuahuan Desert region. These include creatures like mountain lions, bobcat, javelina, and wolves. Visit the Living Desert Zoo & State Park website for more information.
If you're interested in New Mexico's mining history, this is the place to go. Situated just off the Turquoise Trail, this day-use park contains five miles of trails and has impressive mountain views. Visit the Cerrillos Hills State Park website for more information.
The drive through this canyon is gorgeous. Those into fishing flock to the Cimarron River. But this is also a great place for wildlife fans and photographers because it is in the middle of a wildlife management area. Visit the Cimarron Canyon State Park website for more information.
While Elephant Butte is the place to go boating in the southern half of the state, if you're further north, head to Navajo Lake. The park offers two marinas and two boat docks. Plus the San Juan River is a must for fly-fishing. Visit the Navajo Dam State Park website for more information.
Come here to get away from it all. At this lake, boat speeds are limited, creating a more peaceful environment for those on the shore. Kokanee salmon fishing is another draw and you can even go ice fishing in winter. Visit the Heron Lake State Park website for more information.
13. Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, Albuquerque
As this park is on the Rio Grande Flyway, it's perfect for birding. Blinds and feeders increase your chances of spotting birds. You can even observe the wildlife from the glass-walled library inside the visitor center. Visit the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park website for more information.
14. Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park, Angel Fire
This park was established by parents who lost their son in the Vietnam War. The park opened in 1971, making it one of the first memorials to honor those who served in the Vietnam War. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park website for more information.
Which of these state parks have you been to? Do you have a favorite? Here are some of New Mexico’s underrated parks for more travel inspiration.
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Address: Elephant Butte Lake State Park, 101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
Address: 409 Dog Canyon Rd, Alamogordo, NM 88310, USA
Address: Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Address: City of Rocks State Park, 327 NM-61, Faywood, NM 88034, USA
Address: Pancho Villa State Park, 400 NM-9, Columbus, NM 88029, USA
Address: 1504 Miehls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
Address: Co Rd 59, Los Cerrillos, NM 87010, USA
Address: Bluewater Lake, New Mexico, USA
Address: Cimarron Canyon State Park, 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USA
Address: Navajo Dam, Navajo Dam, NM 87419, USA
Address: Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways, 141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM 88415, USA
Address: Heron Lake State Park, Los Ojos, NM 87551, USA
Address: Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
Address: 34 Country Club Rd, Angel Fire, NM 87710, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best State Parks In New Mexico
October 23, 2020
Leah
What are the best outdoor adventures in New Mexico?
If you want to let out your inner explorer, New Mexico has many great spots to check out. Beyond its beautiful state parks, the state also has national parks and monuments like the White Sands National Monument. A hike through the bright white gypsum sands or a fun dune-sliding adventure is memorable, to say the least. Another great and unmissable outdoor adventure to have in this state is a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge. Whether you hike along the rim, walk across it on a bridge, or raft the waters down below, there are many ways to experience this stunning natural wonder.
What places in New Mexico should I see before I die?
There are many amazing places to visit in New Mexico that everyone should see before they die. Some truly bucket-list worthy spots include the incredible Bisti/De-Na-Zin Badlands. The views are practically other-worldly, with unique geological formations and a colorful landscape. Another spectacular location is the Carlsbad Caverns. With over 100 caves as part of the system, plus some truly mesmerizing cave formations within, they're amazing to see in person. For a lovely historic site worth seeing, check out the Aztec Ruins located near Farmington, New Mexico.
What are the most unique parks in New Mexico?
If you're looking for more of the best parks in New Mexico, there is plenty to discover. Beyond state parks, the Land of Enchantment has quite a few national parks. The White Sands National Monument is the newest one, but the list also includes the Bandelier National Monument, Capulin Volcano National Monument, and the Valles Caldera National Preserve, each with their own unique characteristics. For another lovely state park with unique views, try the Villanueva State Park. This one is especially great to see during the fall when the forest-covered hills surrounding the Pecos River become a colorful masterpiece.
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