New Mexico State Parks Calendar of Events
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16 Events in October
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Saturday, October 3
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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




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Saturday, October 3
08:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Oasis
Oasis Star Party
Join the Clovis Astronomy Club for a night of star gazing. This will take place in the visitor center parking lot at dusk. Regular entrance fees apply for non-annual permit holders. All ages are invited to attend. No pets will be allowed at this event. Bring your binoculars, telescopes, red lens flashlights, etc. if you have them and enjoy a night of learning under the stars. **NO animals allowed at this event**
Fees: Regular Entrance Fees
Contact: Valerie Russ 575-356-5331




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Saturday, October 3
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour
In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served 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




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Friday, October 9
07:15 PM - 09:15 PM
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




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Saturday, October 10
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour
In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served 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




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Sunday, October 11
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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




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Sunday, October 11
11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Villanueva
Art in the Park
Join us for a creative day in Villanueva State Park! Painting, drawing and collage supplies will be provided for a fun-filled day of art-making and creative writing. Come enjoy and be inspired by the natural world! All ages are welcome! Meet at the Group Shelter.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196




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Thursday, October 15
09:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Habitat Helpers
This event will involve habitat improvement and beatification task at the Rio Grande Nature Center. If you can join, please meet at the group shelter, wear long pants, sturdy closed toe shoes, and bring work gloves, sun protection and a water bottle.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Levi Dean 505 344-7240




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Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Tales and Trails: Writing Workshop
Join Seasonal Ranger Jamie for a creative writing workshop in Cerrillos Hills State Park and explore ways to be inspired by nature! The day will begin at the Visitor Center with readings from selected authors. Afterward, we will caravan to the park for a guided hike. Following, we will meet back at the Visitor Center to collect our inspiration and work on writing to share with each other. Please pack a lunch or plan to eat in the area. Supplies recommended: paper pad, pen/pencil, sketchbook, phone or camera, sunhat, water bottle, snacks and good hiking shoes.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196




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Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour
In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served 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




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Saturday, October 24
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Navajo Lake
New Mexico Boating Safety Course
Free, 8-hour class offered by New Mexico State Parks. There is no fee to take this class. Education is the key to becoming a better, more knowledgeable boater. In New Mexico, many boaters are required by law to complete a boating safety course and receive a boater education card. Everyone is eligible and encouraged to take the course and receive a card. Registration is required. Register using link below.
Fees: None
Contact: Oran Hurst 505-632-2278
Register Online



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Saturday, October 24
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour
In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served 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




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Saturday, October 24
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Pancho Villa
Live Birds of Prey Presentation
Raptors of New Mexico Foundation presents Live Birds of Prey Presentation at Pancho Villa State Park. Event will take place on October 24, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Event sponsored by The Friends of Pancho Villa State Park and El Corazon de Columbus.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Armando Martinez Jr. (575)531-2711




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Saturday, October 24
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Trunk or Treat
Celebrate Halloween with us at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park during Trunk or Treat at the Park on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM! Kids and families can enjoy a safe, outdoor twist on trick-or-treating by collecting candy from festively decorated trunks. Costumes are encouraged! Along with sweet treats, visitors can explore hands-on nature activities, including wildlife tracking, skulls, native plants, and other fall discoveries. Join us for spooky decor, outdoor fun, and a chance to connect with the natural world in a whole new way.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Olivia Martinez 505-344-7240




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Saturday, October 31
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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




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Saturday, October 31
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour
In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served 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