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

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
A peaceful oasis along the Rio Grande bosque in Albuquerque, the park includes interpretive nature trails, demonstration gardens and numerous exhibits about the areas natural environment. Wildlife abounds in the park, especially in wintertime when migrating waterfowl can be observed from the visitor center and trails. Many educational programs are offered.

Rockhound State Park
Nestled within the rugged Florida and Little Florida mountains, the park is a favorite of rockhounds because of the abundant agate and quartz crystals found there. The park has plenty of developed campsites, picnic areas, wild flowers, birds and hiking trails. The visitor center offers exhibits about the local geology, flora and fauna.

Santa Rosa Lake State Park
This Pecos River reservoir offers a variety of water sports, fishing and one of the state’s few designated equestrian trails, with all the necessary accommodations for horses. Boating of all types is permitted, making the park a popular destination for water-skiers, canoeists and windsurfers.

Storrie Lake State Park
Favorable summer breezes and no speed restrictions make this park a popular destination for wind-surfers, recreational boaters and anglers.

Sugarite Canyon State Park
From fishing, hiking and mountain biking to canoeing, wildlife watching and historical exhibits, this park near the Colorado border offers something for everyone. Two lakes offer excellent trout fishing year-round, and hikers and mountain bikers enjoy more than 12 miles of trails. Visitors also can explore the ruins of Sugarite, a historic coal-mining town.

Sumner Lake State Park
Anglers, boaters and birders enjoy this park for its diverse recreational opportunities. Campers and picnickers will find plenty of space, and the lake is open to craft of all types. Anglers commonly catch walleye, crappie, bass and catfish. Wildlife watchers see deer, coyotes, foxes and many species of birds, including thousands of waterfowl that visit the park each winter.

Ute Lake State Park
A popular family camping destination, this 13-mile-long lake and park offers water sports, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing and some of the best walleye fishing in New Mexico.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park was established in 1968 by Victor and Jeanne Westphall to honor their son, Lt. David Westphall, who was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. When it opened in 1971, it was one of the first Memorials of its kind in the United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. The Memorial was formally transferred to New Mexico State Parks in 2005.

Villanueva State Park
Nestled between high red sandstone bluffs along the Pecos River near the picturesque Spanish-colonial village of Villanueva, the park offers camping, fishing and hiking trails with views of old ranching ruins.

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