PARK DESCRIPTIONS [A-C] [D-L] [M-P] [Q-Z]

Excerpts from the 2005 New Mexico State Parks statewide brochure available for download. [New Mexico State Parks Brochure - pdf format]

Eagle Nest Lake State Park
The 2,400-acre lake and 2,485 acres of recreation land offers some of the finest trout and kokanee salmon fishing in the state. Seasonal recreation includes boating, hiking, picnicking and cross-country skiing, with opportunities to see an abundance of birds and other wildlife, including elk, deer, bears and eagles.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park
One of the largest and most popular lakes in New Mexico, Elephant Butte Reservoir is 40 miles long and provides a setting for every imaginable water sport. Campers will find more than 200 developed sites and plenty of primitive sites along the lake. Anglers catch trophy-sized striped bass, along with largemouth bass, walleye, catfish and crappie. Visitors also will find educational exhibits at the park visitor center.

El Vado Lake State Park
Set among pines and juniper, the park and its 3,220-acre lake beckon visitors to enjoy some of Northern New Mexico’s finest scenery, fishing and water sports. The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, especially in the winter, when eagles and migrating waterfowl make their appearance.

Fenton Lake State Park
Set in a forest of ponderosa pine, the park is a popular destination for family camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing. The 35-acre lake is well stocked with trout, great for canoeing and includes wheelchair-accessible fishing piers.

Heron Lake State Park
Best-known for its sailing and fishing, the park also is popular with campers and hikers who enjoy the solitude and can watch wildlife and enjoy the scenic vistas along the 5.5-mile Rio Chama Trail that connects Heron and El Vado Lake state parks. The lake is restricted to “no-wake” speeds, making it ideal for sailing, canoeing and kayaking.

Hyde Memorial State Park
Nestled among towering pines, New Mexico’s first state park is an ideal spot for summer picnics and hikes, winter sledding and cross-country skiing. Located near the Santa Fe Ski Area, the park is a popular base camp for excursions into the Santa Fe National Forest or into the city of Santa Fe and its many cultural and historical attractions.

Leasburg Dam State Park
This quiet desert oasis along the Rio Grande is an ideal spot to camp and picnic, fish for walleye and catfish, or watch the stars from light-pollution-free campsites. Visitors can hike the short trails and visit the Cactus Patch garden within the park, or check out the ruins at Fort Selden State Monument just a half-mile away.

Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
(not affiliated or associated with The Living Desert in Palm Desert, CA)
This accredited zoo features native plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors walk a 1.3-mile trail through the desert habitats and see exhibits of more than 200 animals, including mountain lions, bobcats, fox, deer, elk, javelina, Mexican wolves and numerous species of birds and reptiles. The visitor center includes exhibits on area plants and animals, geology and history.

To learn more about New Mexico State Parks, visit them online, www.nmparks.com.