New Mexico State Parks

At last count, New Mexico had 34 state parks. I only got to those presented here.

City of Rocks State Park

City of Rocks State Park is located in southwestern New Mexico about halfway between Silver City and Deming. The park is a geologic formation of weathered rock columns separated by narrow paths which, with a little imagination, resemble city streets; hence the name. City of Rocks has campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas, and is great for mountain biking, hiking, wildlife viewing and birding, and stargazing. The Visitor Center has lots of displays and information, and restrooms with hot showers.

Hole in the Rock

Visitor Center

Walkway through Visitor Center

Back of Visitor Center

Some of the rocks in City of Rocks

Windmill and water tank

Some more rocks in City of Rocks

Conchas Lake State Park

Conchas Lake is located just northwest of Tucumcari, and is one of the largest lakes in New Mexico. Camping, boating, swimming, and fishing are the main activities at this park.

Conchas Lake

My friends

Kelty sunshade and occupants

Is this a houseboat?

Evening on the lake

Vultures on the Dam

Conchas Lake

Nice boat

Camp anywhere

Coyote Creek State Park

Coyote Creek State Park is about an hour southeast of Taos in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park is ideal for fly fishing, camping, hiking and birding.

View of the Park and Coyote Creek

Coyote Creek and trailhead

Western Tanager

Campsite

Fenton Lake State Park

Fenton Lake State Park is located in the Jemez Mountains about 40 miles north of San Ysidro. Take NM Hwys 4 and 126 from San Ysidro. I liked Fenton Lake the best out of the state parks presented here. You have camping, fishing, hiking, and relaxing. (Oh, and cross-country skiing in the winter).

Entrance Sign

Fenton Lake

Group Picnic Shelter

Some kind of duck

Rio Cebolla

Old Burn

Road along the Lake

Watch your back cast

Campfire

Navajo Lake State Park

I never actually camped at Navajo Lake. It's really more about boating, fishing, and swimming. I used to fly fish the San Juan River right below the dam (quality water).

Navajo Lake

Sugarite Canyon State Park

Sugarite Canyon State Park is located about 7 miles northeast of Raton. Take NM State Hwys 72 and 526 east to get there. Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping are all activities avilable in the Park.

Park Facilities

Campsite with covered table

Lake Maloya

Wild Iris

Mule Deer
(Odocoileus hemionus)