Clayton Lake
Soil and Water Conser. Merit Badge Designed to meet most of the requirements of the Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge, however, some requirements may not be completed in class. With outside work, the participants can finish with the counselor by email. Bring a sack lunch, no food is available on site. The program is free, the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all out of state vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit. Pre-registration through a responsible adult's email is mandatory. Membership in Scouting is not required; however the program is geared towards Scouting Badge Requirements. Email robert.smith@emnrd.nm.gov to sign up. Space is limited to 12.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Rob Smith 575 445 5607

Eastern New Mexico University
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: Nicholas Apodaca 575-472-3110
Register Online

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
Live Birds of Prey Join us in the visitor center to meet a hawk, owl, and vulture in person! Raptors of New Mexico and wildlife educator Laura McCann are dedicated to teaching New Mexicans about wildlife conservation and the importance of raptors in our environment. RNM does live birds-of-prey presentations throughout the state with injured, non-releasable birds native to the Land of Enchantment. New Mexico residents enter the park for free (Oct. 1 - April 30). Non-residents: please bring exact cash or check for the $10 non-resident park entrance fee or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (575) 437-8284

Mesilla Valley Bosque
Monthly Bird ID Walking Tour Enjoy a guided walk and learn how to identify various resident and migratory bird species from a local expert birder and member of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society. Plan on walking approx, two miles roundtrip on an easy to moderate trail. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents. Please bring exact cash or a check, or show a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass or permit. Free entry for New Mexico residents! (October 1 - April 30)
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398

Navajo Lake
Roadrunner Hunting Retriever Club Join us for an exciting showcase of skilled retrievers in action! Watch as these highly trained dogs demonstrate their abilities in marking, retrieving, and responding to handler commands. The event will feature simulated duck hunts, where retrievers navigate realistic hunting scenarios, showcasing their keen instincts and precision. Whether you're a hunting enthusiast, a dog lover, or simply curious about the incredible capabilities of these working dogs, this is an event you won't want to miss! Photo courtesy of Roadrunner Hunting Retriever Club.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: R. Webster 505-470-6128

Abiquiu 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: Christopher Martinez 575-588-7470
Register Online

Cerrillos Hills
Cerrillos Amigos Coloring Club Join the coloring fun at Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center! The Cottontail rabbit and Pinon tree are featured subjects for April. Learn about these creatures and plants as we color them together! The program is free and open to all ages. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
Fees: Donations welcome
Contact: Park staff 505-474-0196

Cimarron Canyon
Insect Study Merit Badge Designed to meet most of the requirements of the Insect Study Merit Badge, however, some requirements will not be completed in class, such as 5, 6a and 9. Bring a sack lunch, no food is available on site. Open to all youth (Ages 10 1/2 to 17 years old) The program 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. Pre-registration through a responsible adult's email is mandatory. Membership in Scouting is not required; however the program is geared towards Scouting Badge Requirements. Email robert.smith@emnrd.nm.gov to sign up. Space is limited to 12.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Rob Smith 575 445 5607

Fort Sumner Public Library
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: Ramon G Carrillo-Garcia 505-690-2757
Register Online

Mesilla Valley Bosque
Earth Day-Raptors of New Mexico Join us to celebrate Earth Day and the Raptors of New Mexico! Learn about the native Raptors that live in NM and see a few live ones! The program is FREE. However, Day-Use Fees apply. A $10 per vehicle DAY USE FEE is required UPON ENTRY - FOR NON-New Mexico Residents. NM Residents enter free (Oct.1st - April 30th ) with an NM Drivers License or Vehicle Registration to claim residency.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398

Oasis
Kids' Fishing Workshop CANCELED! THIS EVENT WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE TO BE DECIDED. Come out to Oasis State Park on April 12, 2025 for the Kids' Fishing Workshop! This event will include learning stations for Fly Tying, Rods and Reels, Casting, Cleaning Fish, Fish Handling, Scouts Basics and more! Ages 6 and over are invited to attend. The workshop will start at 8:30 a.m. and run til 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the Friends of Oasis and there will be door prizes as well! The event is free with 2 cans of food per child for the Eastern New Mexico Food Bank. Remember that kids 12 years of age and older must have a valid NM fishing license. Parents or guardians must accompany their children to each station.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Oasis State Park 575-356-5331

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

Eagle Nest Lake
Pine Cone Bird Feeder Learn about the birds of New Mexico, how to attract them to your home, and how to build a pinecone bird feeder. Join us for this fun and educational activity for children and adults on May 11th at 9:30 AM. You can take your pinecone feeders home too! The Regular Park Entrance Fee is waived for NM Residents but applies for out-of-state residents ($10). Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Jordan Mitchell 575-377-1594

Eagle Nest Lake
Claws, Hides and Horns Park Rangers will present a program on area wildlife and how they adapt to survive and thrive in our local environment. We will feature hides from Mountain Lions, Bears, and Bobcats. The Regular Park Entrance Fee is waived for NM Residents but applies for out-of-state residents ($10). Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Jordan Mitchell 575-377-1594

Cerrillos Hills
Ranger Hike Join us for a midweek ramble. Topics will vary and be partly guided by your questions about natural and cultural history of these ancient hills. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents. Please bring exact cash or a check, or show a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass or permit. Free entry for New Mexico residents!
Fees: out of state $10 per vehicle
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196

Cerrillos Hills
Earth Day at Park Visitor Center Celebrate Earth Day with the Amigos! Guests are welcome to help prepare flower beds, plant new seeds and starters, spread wood chips, chalk a sidewalk mural and learn how to identify different insect species using online tools!
Fees: Donations welcome
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196

Elephant Butte Lake
Easter Egg Hunt Four Age Groups: 1-2 years/3-4 years/5-7 years/8-11 years (1-2 years may have one person assist) Easter Bunny will be arriving on the Firetruck! Entrance fees are waived for those with New Mexico drivers license/ID for day use until April 30th. Driver’s Licenses/ID will be checked at the gate and it takes time, so please plan accordingly .
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Salvador Gonzalez 575-740-5923

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! The Regular Park Entrance Fee is waived for NM Residents but applies for out-of-state residents ($10). Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068

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

Sumner Lake
Easter Duck Hunt! Join us for a twist on the typical Easter egg hunt. Kids of all ages can participate in the first annual Easter Duck Hunt. Each Duck will be worth candy and some special ducks will win you prizes! The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance.
Fees: Waived
Contact: Jacob Terrell 575-355-2541

Caballo Lake
Caballo Lake's 28th Annual Egg Hunt Join us at Caballo Lake State Park for the 28th Annual Egg Hunt on April 20, 2025. There will be 3000+ eggs, candy bags, and an opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. There will be 4 golden egg winners. The egg hunt is for children ages 11 and under. Out of State Residents, please bring exact cash or check for the $10 park entrance fee or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass. New Mexico Residents are free for day use.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Abdon Aguirre 575-743-3942

Hyde Memorial
Highway Trash Cleanup Earth Day Join staff and volunteers for Earth Day to help pick up trash and beautify Hyde Park Road (Highway 475). Hyde Park staff will provide, trash bags, grabbers, and safety vests. Meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. Bring snacks, water, and work gloves. Free park entry for all during the event only.
Fees: No entry fee during event only
Contact: Park Staff 505-983-7175

Sugarite Canyon
Earth Day Clean up This Earth Day, let's come together to make a positive impact on our planet! We're organizing a community clean-up event, and we need your help to remove litter, clean up our park, and keep it as the beautiful jewel we see now. Bring your friends, family, and gloves! All ages are welcome. Let's work together to make Sugarite Canyon State Park cleaner, greener, and healthier for everyone. Together, we can make a difference! Meet us at the Visitor Center
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
NM Wildlife Center Ambassadors Sugarite Canyon State Park will host the NM Wildlife Center's ambassadors at the Soda Pocket Amphitheater. Learn from these live wildlife ambassadors and their handlers. The regular Park Entrance Fee applies to all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sugarite Canyon State Park 575-445-5607

Elephant Butte Lake
New Mexico Raptors Learn about the many facts of raptors in our area. Includes live birds.
Fees: free
Contact: Salvador Gonzalez 575-740-5923

Cerrillos Hills
Field Sketching Engage with Cerrillos Hills Park in a creative way! Learn the basics of sketching from life to keep a field journal. Seasonal Park Ranger, Brynn Metheney, will share her methods of recording nature in a sketchbook. Register online to receive a materials list to participate. Accompanying parent is required for participants under 18. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents. Please bring exact cash or a check, or show a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass or permit. Free entry for New Mexico residents!
Fees: out of state $10 per vehicle
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196

Hobbs Public Library
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: Ramon Carrillo-Garcia 505-690-2757
Register Online

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

Living Desert
Spring Crafts Show Come join us April 26th and 27th at the Living Desert's visitors center for the 2025 Spring Crafts Show where you can find an abundance of unique items such as handmade jewelry, wood and metal art, pottery, and so much more! The crafts show will be held both days between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
Fees: Free
Contact: Craig Jennings (575) 887-5516

Navajo Lake
F.C Bowhunter Assoc. Join Us for a 3D Bow Shoot & Novelty Shoot! Calling all archery enthusiasts! Come test your skills at our 3D Bow Shoot & Novelty Shoot, open to all ages 5 and up. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just starting out, enjoy a fun-filled day of archery with exciting targets and a great community atmosphere. Don't miss out--grab your bow and join us for an unforgettable event.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: David Archuleta 505-320-8242

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

Mesilla Valley Bosque
Earth Day-Wildlife of New Mexico Join us to celebrate Earth Day and the Wildlife of New Mexico! Learn about the native Reptiles, Amphibians, and Mammals that live in NM and see a few live ones! The program is FREE. However, Day-Use Fees apply. A $10 per vehicle DAY USE FEE is required UPON ENTRY - FOR NON-New Mexico Residents. NM Residents enter free (Oct.1st - April 30th ) with an NM Drivers License or Vehicle Registration to claim residency.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398

Sugarite Canyon
Coal Camp Hike and Ruins tour Join our narrated tour and hike. Tucked into a remote canyon in northeastern New Mexico, Sugarite Coal Camp created a true melting pot for mostly immigrant miners slinging picks and shovels. Learn about the history of the Coal Mine and how it shaped the town of Raton, boosted local economies, provided energy for the nation, and brought diverse ethnic groups to northeast New Mexico and southern Colorado. The program 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: Robert Smith 575 445 5607