- What is New Mexico known for?
- New Mexico is known for its stunning desert terrain, which is home to gorgeous sandstone cliffs, mountain ranges, and volcanic calderas.
- What are some popular parks in New Mexico?
- Popular parks such as Carlsbad Caverns National Park are home to world-famous sites such as the glorious Carlsbad Cavern, which offers regular guided and self-guided tours throughout the year.
- What cultural and historical sites are preserved in New Mexico?
- A number of national parks and monuments preserve sites connected to the region's Ancestral Puebloan indigenous and Spanish Catholic mission history.
- What other significant sites are protected in New Mexico?
- Others protect significant dinosaur tracks and remains or showcase sites connected to the region's history of atomic testing or hydroelectric development.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Cimarron Canyon State Park
Hike scenic trails and fish in crystal-clear mountain streams.
Cimarron Canyon State Park is a gorgeous state park near the town of Eagle Nest, extending for approximately eight miles along the stunning Cimarron Canyon between Ute Park and Tolby Creek. The park, which sits at an elevation of more than 7,800 feet above sea level, is traversed by the thickly-forested Cimarron River and offers amazing opportunities for wildlife watching as part of the regional Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area. Parkgoers can enjoy amazing photo opportunities at the cliffs of the Palisades Sill or hike throughout the park's excellent trail system to sites such as the picturesque waterfalls of Clear Creek Trail. Opportunities to catch rainbow and brown trout abound at the Cimarron River and Clear Creek. Overnight camping is offered at three campgrounds throughout the park, which all feature RV and tent hookups.
Cimarron Canyon State Park, 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, Phone: 575-377-6271
2. City of Rocks State Park
Explore unique volcanic rock formations and enjoy stargazing at night.
City of Rocks State Park is one of New Mexico's most popular state parks, visited by more than 50,000 parkgoers each year. The park, which spans a square mile throughout the Chihuahuan Desert near the cities of Deming and Silver City, is named in honor of its spectacular volcanic rock formations, including its namesake 40-foot-high sculpted pinnacle rock formations. The park's formations were created approximately 35 million years ago and eroded into their present state today, which vaguely resembles the pathways and lanes of city streets. Parkgoers can enjoy excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking throughout the park's extensive trail system. Dark-sky viewing opportunities are offered via public access telescopes. Other attractions include a desert botanical garden, a newly-renovated visitor center with modern exhibits, and a number of day-use picnic sites.
City of Rocks State Park, 327 New Mexico 61, Faywood, NM 88034, Phone: 575-536-2800
3. Clayton Lake State Park
Discover ancient dinosaur tracks and enjoy peaceful lakeside camping.
Clayton Lake State Park is a lovely state park located approximately 15 miles north of the city of Clayton, near New Mexico's Four Corners state border. The park is anchored around the scenic 170-acre reservoir of the same name, which was originally created as a fishing and recreational lake in 1955 by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Parkgoers can view one of North America's most extensively preserved sects of dinosaur tracks, which are embedded in rocks near Clayton Lake and can be observed from a quarter-mile access trail. Anglers on the lake can catch trout, bass, catfish, and walleye throughout the park's fishing season, which typically lasts between March and October. Since 2010, the park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park and is home to the Lake Observatory, which gives visitors a chance to look at stars up close with public-access telescopes.
Clayton Lake State Park, 141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM 88415, Phone: 575-374-8808
4. Heron Lake State Park
Kayak tranquil waters and fish for trout in a serene setting.
Heron Lake State Park is a gorgeous state park anchored around the 5,900-acre lake of the same name, which was named in honor of hydroelectric engineer Kenneth A. Heron, a prominent area figure in the early 20th century. The designated quiet lake, which only allows boats at no-wake speed, is located within Rio Arriba County and receives water from the San Juan River as part of the region's San Juan-Chama Project water diversion. Amazing opportunities for water sports are offered throughout the year, including sailing and fishing for record-breaking kokanee salmon and trout. On land, parkgoers can hike the park's 5.5-mile trail to nearby El Vado Lake or enjoy cross-country skiing opportunities during the winter months. Wildlife watching opportunities abound for species such as black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, and osprey.
Heron Lake State Park , Los Ojos, NM 87551, Phone: 575-588-7470
5. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Explore desert wildlife and admire diverse native plants.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a gorgeous New Mexico state park near Carlsbad, located atop the beautiful Ocotillo Hills overlooking the scenic Pecos River. The park, which has been an accredited Association of Zoos and Aquariums facility since 2002, is home to more than 40 species of native Chihuahuan Desert flora and fauna kept within their natural habitats. Gorgeous hiking trails meander through the living museum, which can be explored as part of a 1.3-mile self-guided walking tour. Along the route, visitors can see animals such as bison, bobcats, pronghorn, mule deer, Gila monsters, and Mexican wolves in their natural habitats. An aviary also showcases spectacular golden eagles, roadrunners, hawks, and songbirds.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, 1504 Miehls Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220, Phone: 575-887-5516
6. Morphy Lake State Park
Fish for trout and enjoy peaceful picnics by the lake.
Morphy Lake State Park is one of New Mexico's smallest state parks, only spanning an area of approximately 30 acres throughout the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the city of Mora. The park, which is located at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet, is home to a beautiful 15-acre lake within the Pecos Wilderness, which provides excellent opportunities for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon fishing. Though boats are allowed on the lake, visitors should note that gas-powered motors are prohibited to protect sensitive environmental conditions. Throughout the winter months, the lake's waters frequently freeze over due to the park's high altitude conditions, making for excellent ice fishing conditions. Overnight camping is popular at the park, including primitive backcountry camping.
Morphy Lake State Park, Murphy Lake Road, Mora, NM 87732, Phone: 575-387-2328
7. Navajo Lake State Park
Boat, fish, and explore one of New Mexico’s largest lakes.
Navajo Lake State Park is anchored around New Mexico's second-largest reservoir, which is located within San Juan and Rio Arriba Counties and neighboring Colorado county Archuleta County. The lake and park serve as a boater's paradise throughout the year, known as a world-class fly fishing destination. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass, northern pike, black crappie, channel catfish, and trout throughout the year aboard motorized and non-motorized boats. Two boat docks are offered at the park, along with two marinas offering rentals and supplies. Water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and water skiing are popular activities throughout the warmer months.
Navajo Lake State Park, 36 Road 4110 #1, Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278
8. Rockhound State Park
Hunt for unique minerals and explore scenic desert landscapes.
Rockhound State Park is a lovely state park located approximately seven miles outside the city of Deming, named in honor of the abundance of unique historic minerals and rocks throughout the region. The park, which is located within the gorgeous Little Florida Mountains, is a prime spot for rock collectors in the area, stocked with beautiful deposits of quartz crystals, jasper, perlite, and geodoes. Stunning rugged mountain slopes showcase unique geology and picturesque patches of wildflowers, particularly in the park's Spring Canyon unit, which serves as a popular spot for cliff hiking. A quaint campground offers primitive accommodations, while several day-use picnic sites provide places to rest and relax with lunch amidst the scenery.
Rockhound State Park, 9880 Stirrup Rd SE, Deming, NM 88030, Phone: 575-546-6182
9. Sugarite Canyon State Park
Hike lush trails and explore remnants of a historic coal camp
Sugarite Canyon State Park is a unique state park located along the Colorado-New Mexico state border near the city of Raton, preserving gorgeous natural landmarks and the remains of a pioneer-era coal mining camp. The park's lands, which are named for an indigenous word for a bird found within the canyon era, served as a significant water source and coal mining region beginning as early as 1891 and were abandoned around the time of World War II. Since 1985, it has been preserved as a state park, attracting more than 125,000 visitors each year. A myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities are offered throughout the year, including chances for fishing, boating, horseback riding, hunting, and nature hiking. Electric hookup campsites are offered at the Lake Alice and Soda Pocket Campgrounds, while group shelters are available at the park's Gambel Oak Group Area.
Sugarite Canyon State Park, 211 Highway 526, Raton, NM 87740, Phone: 575-445-5607
10. Villanueva State Park
Camp by the Pecos River and enjoy peaceful hiking trails.
Villanueva State Park is a delightful state park located along the banks of the beautiful Pecos River in Villanueva, approximately half an hour southwest of downtown Las Vegas. The park is known for its unique red and yellow sandstone cliff formations, which are located along high sandstone bluffs in a canyon above the Pecos River. Cottonwood trees and other native flora are showcased throughout the park, which reaches elevations of more than 5,600 feet above sea level at its highest points. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities throughout the year, ranging from fishing and wildlife watching to hiking along the canyon's steep walls. Primitive camping opportunities are offered for visitor use, along with day-use picnic sites.
Villanueva State Park, 135 Dodge Road, Villanueva, NM 87583, Phone: 575-421-2957
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: