New Mexico State & National Parks + Forests

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State Parks

Bluewater Lake State Park – offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is known for its namesake lake, Bluewater Lake, which is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can find a variety of fish species, including trout, catfish, and walleye, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. The park also features camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas, providing visitors with a range of recreational activities to enjoy amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
Bottomless Lakes State Park – Situated in southeastern New Mexico, Bottomless Lakes State Park is a unique and captivating destination. The park is named after a series of deep, water-filled sinkholes that give the illusion of being bottomless. These sinkholes, known as cenotes, are the main attraction of the park and offer opportunities for swimming, scuba diving, and paddleboarding. The park also features hiking trails that meander through the surrounding desert landscape, showcasing the area’s diverse flora and fauna.
Brantley Lake State Park – located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, and is centered around Brantley Lake, a reservoir formed by the damming of the Pecos River. The park is a popular destination for water-based activities such as boating, fishing, and water skiing. Anglers can try their luck catching bass, catfish, and walleye in the lake’s abundant waters. Additionally, the park offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching, providing visitors with a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Caballo Lake State Park – Nestled along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico, Caballo Lake State Park offers a serene and scenic environment for outdoor recreation. The park’s main attraction is Caballo Lake, a reservoir renowned for its excellent fishing. Anglers can find a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, and walleye. The park also features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that wind through the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can enjoy boating, water skiing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Cerrillos Hills State Park – situated in the heart of New Mexico and is known for its rich history and natural beauty. The park encompasses a range of volcanic formations and rolling hills, offering scenic hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The area has a significant historical background, with evidence of prehistoric mining and Native American settlements. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna, learn about its fascinating past, and enjoy activities like hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Cimarron Canyon State Park – Located in northern New Mexico, Cimarron Canyon State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is characterized by its rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and the Cimarron River, which offers excellent trout fishing opportunities. Anglers can try their luck in the river’s clear waters, while hikers can explore the park’s scenic trails that wind through dense forests and open meadows. The park also offers camping facilities, picnicking areas, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor recreation.
City of Rocks State Park – located in southwestern New Mexico, is a unique geological wonder. The park features a collection of volcanic rock formations that resemble a cityscape, hence its name. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, which wind through the rock formations, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and photography. The park also provides camping facilities, allowing visitors to spend more time immersing themselves inthe surreal landscape. Birdwatching and stargazing are popular activities in the park, as it offers a tranquil and remote setting away from light pollution.
Clayton Lake State Park – Situated in northeastern New Mexico, Clayton Lake State Park offers a combination of natural beauty and rich paleontological discoveries. The park is known for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, which can be seen along the shores of Clayton Lake. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the tracks on their own, gaining insight into the region’s prehistoric past. Additionally, the park offers camping facilities, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails, allowing visitors to appreciate both the ancient history and the scenic outdoors.
Conchas Lake State Park – a popular recreational destination located in central New Mexico. The park surrounds Conchas Lake, a reservoir known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish population. Anglers can enjoy fishing for bass, catfish, walleye, and other species. The park also offers boating, water skiing, and swimming opportunities. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails are available, providing visitors with various ways to enjoy the scenic surroundings and engage in outdoor activities.
Coyote Creek State Park – Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, Coyote Creek State Park is a serene retreat for nature lovers. The park features dense forests, meandering streams, and picturesque meadows, offering a tranquil setting for camping and picnicking. Anglers can try their luck fishing for trout in the park’s namesake creek. Hiking trails provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and observe wildlife, making it a peaceful escape for those seeking solitude in nature.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park – Situated in the Moreno Valley of northern New Mexico, Eagle Nest Lake State Park is renowned for its breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. The park surrounds Eagle Nest Lake, a picturesque reservoir that offers excellent fishing for trout, salmon, and other fish species. Visitors can engage in boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake or explore the surrounding hiking trails that provide stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities complete the park’s offerings.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park – the largest state park in New Mexico and is located along the Rio Grande. The park’s centerpiece is Elephant Butte Lake, a massive reservoir renowned for its boating, fishing, and water sports. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and walleye. The park offers numerous recreational activities, including camping, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. With its vast expanse of water and surrounding desert landscape, Elephant Butte Lake State Park attracts visitors year-round.
El Vado Lake State Park – situated in northern New Mexico and is known for its scenic beauty and water-based recreational activities. The park surrounds El Vado Lake, a reservoir nestled in a picturesque valley. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for trout, salmon, and bass. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are popular activities on the lake. The park also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnicking areas, providing visitors with a peaceful and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Fenton Lake State Park – nestled in the scenic Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. The park is centered around Fenton Lake, a serene mountain lake known for its trout fishing. Anglers can cast their lines and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The park also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas, providing visitors with opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
Heron Lake State Park – Located in northern New Mexico, Heron Lake State Park is a picturesque destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is situated around Heron Lake, a large reservoir known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching trout, salmon, and other fish species. The park also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Hyde Memorial State Park – situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The park is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, which wind through dense forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The park also provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center, making it a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and nature appreciation.
Leasburg Dam State Park – located along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico. The park’s main attraction is the Leasburg Dam, which forms a reservoir known for its fishing and boating opportunities. Anglers can catch catfish, bass, and other species in the reservoir’s waters. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center that provides information about the local wildlife and ecosystem.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park – Situated near Carlsbad, New Mexico, Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park offers a unique combination of wildlife viewing and desert botanical gardens. The park showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert region. Visitors can explore the zoo, which features native animal species, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and reptiles. Additionally, the park has walking trails that wind through the desert landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Manzano Mountains State Park – nestled in the Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. The park offers a serene and secluded setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Hikers can explore the park’s trails, which traverse through forests of ponderosa pine and aspen trees, leading to scenic viewpoints and picnic areas. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, and numerous bird species.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park – located near Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is a haven for nature lovers. The park is situated along the Rio Grande and encompasses a riverside forest known as a bosque. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, which wind through the bosque and offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The park also features picnic areas and educational exhibits, providing insights into the importance of wetland ecosystems and their conservation.
Morphy Lake State Park – a scenic retreat nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. The park is centered around Morphy Lake, a small but picturesque mountain lake known for its fishing and boating opportunities. Anglers can try their luck catching trout in the lake’s pristine waters. The park also offers camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnicking areas, allowing visitors toenjoy the tranquility of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Navajo Lake State Park – Located in northwestern New Mexico, Navajo Lake State Park is a popular destination for water-based recreational activities. The park surrounds Navajo Lake, a large reservoir that spans into Colorado. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as bass, trout, and salmon available. Boating, water skiing, and swimming are also popular activities. In addition to water-based activities, the park provides camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnicking areas, ensuring visitors have a well-rounded outdoor experience.
Oasis State Park – situated in southeastern New Mexico and offers a refreshing escape in the desert landscape. The park features a small lake fed by underground springs, creating an oasis-like environment. The lake is stocked with catfish and trout, providing fishing enthusiasts with opportunities to catch their dinner. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that showcase the unique desert flora and wildlife.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park – located near Alamogordo, New Mexico, and is known for its striking desert scenery and historical significance. The park is nestled at the base of the Sacramento Mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert plains. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, which lead to the top of Dog Canyon and provide breathtaking vistas. The park also features a visitor center, picnic areas, and camping facilities, allowing visitors to learn about the area’s history and enjoy the natural beauty.
Pancho Villa State Park – located in southwestern New Mexico and holds historical significance as the site of the 1916 raid led by Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The park features a visitor center that showcases exhibits and artifacts related to the raid and its impact on the region. The park also offers camping facilities, picnicking areas, and nature trails that wind through the surrounding desert landscape. Visitors can explore the history, enjoy outdoor activities, and appreciate the tranquility of the park’s setting.
Percha Dam State Park – located in southern New Mexico along the Rio Grande. The park centers around Percha Dam, which creates a reservoir known for its fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch various fish species such as bass, catfish, and trout. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails, providing visitors with a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding desert landscape.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park – Situated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park offers a peaceful and educational experience for nature enthusiasts. The park is located along the Rio Grande and features walking trails that wind through wetlands, woodlands, and riverside habitats. Visitors can observe a diverse range of bird species, as well as other wildlife. The park also offers educational programs, a visitor center, and picnic areas, making it a great place for birdwatching, nature walks, and family outings.
Rockhound State Park – nestled in the Little Florida Mountains near Deming, New Mexico. The park is renowned for its abundance of rocks and minerals, making it a favorite destination for rockhounding enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and search for various minerals, including geodes, quartz crystals, and agates. The park also provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center where visitors can learn more about the rocks and minerals found in the area.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park – located in northeastern New Mexico and offers a variety of recreational activities. The park surrounds Santa Rosa Lake, a reservoir known for its fishing, boating, and water sports. Anglers can catch species such as bass, catfish, and walleye. The park also provides camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mesas, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the high desert landscape.
Storrie Lake State Park – situated near Las Vegas, New Mexico, and offers a serene setting for outdoor activities. The park is centered around Storrie Lake, a small but picturesque reservoir that provides opportunities for fishing and boating. Anglers can catch trout, catfish, and bass. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Sugarite Canyon State Park – located in northeastern New Mexico and is known for its natural beauty and rich history. The park offers diverse landscapes, including canyons, forests, and a lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and explore the remnants of historic coal mining towns. The park also provides camping facilities, fishing opportunities in the lake, and picnic areas, offering a wide range of outdoor experiences for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Sumner Lake State Park – situated in southeastern New Mexico and offers a peaceful getaway for outdoor recreation. The park surrounds Sumner Lake, a reservoir known for its fishing and boating opportunities. Anglers can catch bass, catfish, and walleye. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy the picturesque desert scenery and engage in various water-based activities.
Ute Lake State Park – located in northeastern New Mexico and is a popular destination for water sports and outdoor recreation. The park surrounds Ute Lake, a large reservoir known for its fishing, boating, and water skiing. Anglers can catch bass, catfish, and walleye. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, hiking trails, and avisitor center. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mesas and canyons while engaging in water-based activities or simply relaxing by the lake.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park – situated near Angel Fire, New Mexico, and serves as a tribute to the veterans of the Vietnam War. The park features a memorial wall engraved with the names of New Mexicans who served in the war. It provides a tranquil and reflective atmosphere for visitors to pay their respects. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and engage in outdoor activities.
Villanueva State Park – located in northeastern New Mexico and offers a scenic retreat along the Pecos River. The park is known for its striking red sandstone cliffs and picturesque views. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, which wind through canyons and along the river, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The park also offers camping facilities, picnic areas, and a visitor center, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural history of the area.

National Parks

State & National Forests

■ Carson National Forest
■ Cibola National Forest
■ Gila National Forest
■ Lincoln National Forest
■ Santa Fe National Forest

National Natural Landmarks

Border Hills Structural Zone: A rare example of wrench faulting outside the Pacific Coast region. 33.367226°N 104.948359°W
Bitter Lake Group: Saline artesian lakes that provide habitat for the only inland occurrence of a marine alga and two rare fish species. 33.456047°N 104.401621°W
Bueyeros Shortgrass Plains: An example of the blue grama-buffalograss prairie of the Great Plains.
Fort Stanton Cave: Cave containing distinctive examples of selenite needles, starbursts, and velvet flowstone. 33.499099°N 105.523798°W
Grants Lava Flow: One of the best examples of recent extrusive volcanism. 34.888718°N 107.993472°W
Ghost Ranch: Fossil site where well-preserved Coelophysis skeletons were found. 36.329789°N 106.474°W
Kilbourne Hole: An example of an uncommon volcanic feature known as a maar. 31.971944°N 106.964722°W
Mathers Research Natural Area: The best example of a shinnery oak-sand prairie community in the southern Great Plains.
Mescalero Sands South Dune: The best example of an active sand dune system in the southern Great Plains. 33.416122°N 103.869842°W
Ship Rock: An outstanding example of an exposed volcanic neck accompanied by radiating dikes. 36.6875°N 108.836389°W
Torgac Cave: Cave with distinctive branching stalactites and helictites, the type site of Torgac-type helictites.
Valles Caldera: One of the largest calderas in the world. 35.9°N 106.533333°W