Brantley Lake
First Day Hike Ranger led hike showcasing vegetation, terrain and history of the Brantley Lake area.
Fees: Regular Fee Waived
Contact: James Chapler (505) 690-2757

Cerrillos Hills
First Day Hike Celebrate the New Year and Cerrillos Hills State Park's 14th consecutive First Day Hike! This year's edition will feature a trivia contest with prizes and interactive frivolity! The planned route will allow a mid-point drop off giving you 1.5 miles for your first hike of 2026. The full hike will cover just over 3 miles. Expect some hiking uphill and varied surfaces ranging from sandy to rocky. Pack snacks, and water, and wear sturdy shoes. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
Fees: fee waived
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196

Eagle Nest Lake
Polar Plunge and Polar Stomp Dive into the New Year with a splash at the Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Eagle Nest Lake State Park! Start your year with excitement by participating in the invigorating Polar Stomp Hike at 1 PM, and then take the daring plunge into the icy waters at 2 PM. After braving the cold, cozy up by a warm fire and treat yourself to steaming hot cocoa and delicious cookies. This fun-filled event is the perfect way to kick off your New Year adventures! When: January 1, 2026 Time: Noon Registration for the Plunge Where: Visitor Center, 42 Marina Way, Eagle Nest Lake State Park, Eagle Nest, New Mexico Event sponsored by the Friends of Eagle Nest Lake State Park The regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Free to all NM residents and $10 per vehicle for non-residents.
Fees: Regular Fees Apply
Contact: Jordan Mitchell 575-377-1594

Elephant Butte Lake
1st Day Hike Join Elephant Butte Lake State Parks in celebrating 2026 and walking across and learning about Elephant Butte Dam. Walk from the North at the Dirt Dam parking lot or South form the dam overlook. The north route is about a 3 mile round trip, the south route is about a 1/2 mile round trip. Foot traffic only is allowed on the Dam. The walk is free for NM Residents and regular Park Entrance Fee applies for out of state residents. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Salvador Gonzalez 575-740-5923

Living Desert
First Day Hike at the Living Desert On January 1st, come and experience the First Day Hike event at the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park overlooking the city of Carlsbad. Witness over 40 different animal species and over 100 types of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert as you hike a 1.3 mile trail that loops around the zoo, offering stunning views of Carlsbad, and the Permian Basin. Best of all, during this event everyone will be admitted into the zoo for FREE!!!
Fees: FREE
Contact: Craig Jennings (575) 887-5516

Oliver Lee
First Day Hikes Join us on New Year's Day for First Day Hikes! Hike to start the new year off with a great day outdoors enjoying the sights of one of your beautiful state parks. The trip to Lawson Springs takes you out of the flats and on a moderate climb at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. You'll have a marvelous view of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands across the valley. Lawson Springs' limestone terraces support lush growth standing out against the rocky slopes. A variety of wildlife frequents the area and tracks can be plentiful. Park at the visitor center then walk to site 36. Your guide will meet you there for an approximately one-mile hike along Lawson Springs. The minimum age for children is 8 years old. Pets are allowed on a leash. Please bring plenty of water!
Fees: Waived
Contact: Kate German 505-660-7381

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
New Year's Day Nature Walk Join us for a nature walk to celebrate the New Year! The walk is free to participate and accessible to all ages and albitites. The walk will be about a mile in total. Bring binoculars or borrow ours!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front desk 505-344-7240

Storrie Lake
Polar Bear Plunge Join us for the 29th Annual Polar Bear Plunge at Storrie Lake State Park in Las Vegas, NM! The Plunge Starts at Noon at the boat dock. Please arrive early!! Fees: Park fees are waived for the event.
Fees: Fees Waived for Event
Contact: Manuel Villanueva 505-425-7278

Sugarite Canyon
First Day Hike-Lakeside Snow Stomp First Day Hikes are a nationwide initiative, led by America's State Parks, encouraging people to start the new year with an outdoor activity. We will be circling Lake Mayola on hike, stopping along the way for Hot Cocoa and Smores. Bring a sack lunch. Start a new family tradition and join us for a brisk 5 mile hike to start the year off right!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Rob Smith 575 445 5607

Sumner Lake
1st Day Hike Start the New Year hiking along the scenic Sumner Lake State Park Discovery Trail. The hike will start at the Visitor Center and then go to the West overlook and back. Your guide will provide interesting and informative facts about native plants, wildlife, types of predators in the area, insects, and the park's history. The hike is free for NM Residents and the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for out-of-state residents. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Jacob Terrell 575-355-2541

Leasburg Dam
STAR PROGRAM Star show begins at SUNDOWN. Each month we open the Leasburg Dam Observatory to the public. Members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces operate a large 16" telescope as well as other telescopes just outside the observatory. Through these telescopes, you can see amazing deep space objects, such as: globular star clusters, planetary nebulae, distant planets and far away galaxies!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Wonders of Winter Festival! Join us to experience and appreciate the wonders of winter at our Wonders of Winter Festival, funded and organized by the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. Activities include: bird walk, wildlife track and sign walk, sandhill crane competition, family nature walk, solar viewing with the ABQ Astronomical Society, arts & crafts, seed ball making, live animals, awesome raffle, yummy food from Rollin' in Hot, and more! Come spend a wonderful winter Saturday at the Nature Center!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front desk 505-344-7240

Leasburg Dam
20 target 3D shoot Join us at Leasburg Dam State Park for a 3-D archery fun shoot/ASA Qualifier shoot including 20 targets!! New Mexico residents $5.00. Non-residents $10 or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Buffy 575-373-5304

Oliver Lee
Guided Hike to Lawson Springs The trip to Lawson Springs takes you out of the flats and on a moderate climb at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. You'll have a marvelous view of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands across the valley. Lawson Springs' limestone terraces support lush growth standing out against the rocky slopes. A variety of wildlife frequents the area and tracks can be plentiful. Park at the visitor center then walk to site 36. Your guide will meet you there for an approximately one-mile hike along Lawson Springs. Pets are allowed on a leash. Please bring plenty of water!
Fees: Regular Day Use
Contact: Kate German 505-660-7381

Cerrillos Hills
Ranger Hike Join Park Rangers for a midweek hike through Cerrillos Hills State Park. Ask questions, enjoy nature and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. This hike’s route will vary but typically averages about 2 miles.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196
CerrillosHills.org

Rockhound
Stars-n-Parks Amateur Astronomer Mike Nuss will be discussing what to observe in the night skies.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert V. Apodaca 575-546-6182

Hyde Memorial
Hibernation Hike Join Park Rangers for a trek through the park and learn about the ways in which animals and plants conserve energy to make it through winter!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Oliver Lee
Guided Hike to Lawson Springs The trip to Lawson Springs takes you out of the flats and on a moderate climb at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. You'll have a marvelous view of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands across the valley. Lawson Springs' limestone terraces support lush growth standing out against the rocky slopes. A variety of wildlife frequents the area and tracks can be plentiful. Park at the visitor center then walk to site 36. Your guide will meet you there for an approximately one-mile hike along Lawson Springs. Pets are allowed on a leash. Please bring plenty of water!
Fees: Regular Day Use
Contact: Kate German 505-660-7381

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Oliver Lee
Guided Hike to Lawson Springs The trip to Lawson Springs takes you out of the flats and on a moderate climb at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. You'll have a marvelous view of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands across the valley. Lawson Springs' limestone terraces support lush growth standing out against the rocky slopes. A variety of wildlife frequents the area and tracks can be plentiful. Park at the visitor center then walk to site 36. Your guide will meet you there for an approximately one-mile hike along Lawson Springs. Pets are allowed on a leash. Please bring plenty of water!
Fees: Regular Day Use
Contact: Kate German 505-660-7381

Cerrillos Hills
All About Owls Join Park Ranger Brynn to learn about the anatomy and adaptations of owls! New Mexico is home to several owl species and each of them have unique abilities to survive in the arid southwest. Come discover more about these fascinating birds of prey!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196
CerrillosHills.org

Leasburg Dam
Bird Tour Please join us on a guided bird identification tour. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Leasburg Dam State Park trails with a Mesilla Valley Audubon Society bird identification expert. They will teach you how to improve your bird identification skills. Bring binoculars, comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather. WE MEET at 8 AM - AT THE VISITOR CENTER.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Star Party! Hosted by the Albuquerque Astrological Society. Join astronomers to learn about and look at the night sky! Presentation on Celestial Objects seen in the January Night Sky from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front desk 505-344-7240