New Mexico State Parks Calendar of Events
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56 Events in October
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Saturday, October 5
07:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Oasis
Star Gazing Party
Join the Clovis Astronomy Club for a night of star gazing on October 5, 2024. 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 Fee
Contact: Valerie Russ 575-356-5331




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Saturday, October 5
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Saturday, October 5-Sunday, October 6
06:30 AM - 03:00 PM
Ute Lake
Logan Bass Club
Logan Bass Club will host a tournament on Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm at Ute Lake State Park. Boats can launch from any of the five ramps in the park. It is a catch-and-release tournament with a weigh-in to be held at the Ute Lake Marina. Please bring exact cash or check for the $5 park entrance fee, or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Calvin Liles (575) 403-6161




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Sunday, October 6
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Tarantula Hike
Spiders the size of donuts. Where are they going? What are they doing? Come find out on this creepy jaunt through the hills. To help streamline your arrival, bring exact cash or check to pay the park fee of $5 per vehicle and follow the self-permit process. Free with a valid New Mexico State Park pass.
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Contact: Park staff 505-474-0196




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Sunday, October 6
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Tuesday, October 8
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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, 2mi round trip on easy to moderate trail. There is a $5 per vehicle DAY USE FEE required UPON ENTRY.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398




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Saturday, October 12
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Bats!
With more than 1,000 species, bats comprise 1/4 of the world's total mammal population. The only mammal that flies, these creatures have more in common with us than the mice they resemble. Guest presenter, Jeannie Place will help you learn about different species of bats, how they hunt, their anatomy and life cycle, explore benefits and dispel myths associated with these amazing animals. our world would be very different without bats.
Fees: Donations welcome
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196




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Saturday, October 12
07:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Leasburg Dam
5k Trail Run and 3K Fun Walk
Join us on our 3rd Annual Ringtail 5K Trail Run and 3K Fun Walk. Check in starts at 7:30 am at the Day Use Area - south campsite. 5K run starts at 8:30 am. Register for the event at: runreg.com.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068




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Saturday, October 12
08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Nature Walk
See what's happening on the bosque trails. Please bring water, hat, sunglasses, etc. to be prepared for being outdoors. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque ecosystem with one of the RGNC volunteer naturalists. Search for signs of animal life and discover how the Bosque and the Rio Grande provide habitat. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to 12 people. The walk is about 1.5 hours long. The mostly flat, sandy trail is just under 1 mile. This walk is appropriate for adults and children. Meet the volunteer naturalist on the west side of the parking lot at the start of the trail, near the bulletin board. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual pass holders enter free with valid permits displayed.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: RGNC Front Desk 505-344-7240




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Saturday, October 12
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Saturday, October 12
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Sugarite Canyon
Coal Camp Hike and Ruins tour
Join our narrated tour and hike this Saturday morning. Learn about the history of the Sugarite Coal Mine and how it shaped the town of Raton, provided energy for the nation, and brought diverse ethnic groups to northeast New Mexico and southern Colorado. Please bring exact cash or check for the $5 park entrance fee, or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607




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Saturday, October 12
07:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Ute Lake
Zombie Run
Join the Friends of Ute Lake State Park for a spooky themed 5K/10K fun walk/run on Saturday, October 12th. There will also be a scavenger hunt (participation is optional). Entry fee for the walk/run is $30.00 (nonrefundable). Meet at the Ute Lake State Park Visitor Center at 7:30 a.m. to register for the Zombie Run. The walk/run will begin at 8:00 a.m. Ages 10 and under are free! (The shirts must be paid for). All proceeds go toward the efforts made by the Friends of Ute Lake to improve the park! Registration forms can be picked up at Ute Lake State Park Visitor Center or online at Friends of Ute Lake Facebook page. Those who pre-register by October 5th will receive a t-shirt! Please bring exact cash or check for the $5 park entrance fee or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284




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Sunday, October 13
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Sunday, October 13
07:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Ute Lake
Hereford Bass
Hereford Bass Club is hosting a tournament on Sunday, October 13th from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Boats can launch from any of the five ramps in the park. All participants will follow the rules of the Hereford Bass Club and catch and release. The weigh-in will take place at the Ute Lake weigh-in station by the marina. All equipment to weigh and measure the fish must follow the Hereford Bass Club rules. Please bring exact cash or check for the $5 park entrance fee or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Dan Brooks (806) 344-6823




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Friday, October 18
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bottomless Lakes
Bollard Painting & Clean-up Event
Join us for our Bottomless Lakes Bollard Painting and Clean-up Beautification event on Friday, October 18. Wear your best painting gear and bring water, work gloves, and food or snacks. We'll meet at the Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. For more information contact the Visitor Center at (575) 988-3638. There are no fees for participants.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Jonathan McGary 575-988-3638




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Friday, October 18
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Cerrillos Hills
Park spring Russian Olive clean-up
Join us for a Russian Olive clean-up in the park's natural spring! Maintaining habitat for native species is an important part of land stewardship. Russian Olive has an aggressive growth pattern and a need for water. As a result, Fremont cottonwood, currant, and willow are struggling to survive. Shovels, gloves, picks, and other tools will be provided. Please bring water and snacks, and wear closed-toed shoes. Long sleeves, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196




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Friday, October 18-Sunday, October 20
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clayton Lake
Litter and Trash Pick-up Event
Join us at Clayton Lake & Dinosaur Tracks State Park any day this weekend for our clean-up events. Meet at Visitor Center. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, hat, gloves, and comfortable shoes. The Chamber of Commerce will provide water.
Fees: Fees waived for participants
Contact: Clayton Lake State Park (575) 374-8808
State Park Event Calendar



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Friday, October 18
08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Leasburg Dam
Leasburg Dam Beautification Event
Join us Friday, October 18 for a clean-up event at the Leasburg Dam Day Use Area. Meet at the Visitor Center and from there we will head to the river day use area. We'll remove dead brush and clear-cut some overgrown brush and grass to open up natural areas and trails. We will also remove cages and supports from trees planted in the north and south day-use areas.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Austin 575-202-8808




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Friday, October 18-Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oasis
Oasis Road and Pond Clean-up
Meet at the Visitor Center, bring water, work gloves, and food or snacks if you need them. Free park entry for participants!
Fees: No fees for participants
Contact: Valerie Russ (575) 356-5331




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Friday, October 18
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Pancho Villa
Cootes Hill Clean Up
Join Pancho Villa State Park Staff and Friends Group members for a clean-up of Cootes Hill and the park campgrounds. Please bring work gloves, snacks, and water. Trash bags will be provided.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Jonathin Horsley 575-531-2711




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Friday, October 18
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Habitat Helpers Weeding & Planting
Join us at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park for the Habitat Helpers Weeding & Planting event on Friday, October 18. Meet at the group shelter to pick up a pass to waive the park Day Use Fee. Bring water, wear closed-toe shoes and long sleeves, and bring gloves. For more information contact Park Superintendent Levi Dean at (505) 344-7420.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Levi Dean 505-344-7240




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Friday, October 18-Sunday, October 20
08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Ute Lake
Park Beautification Project
Come to the Ute Lake State Park Nature Trail Maintenance and Cleanup, Friday-Sunday, October 18th-20th from 8:00am-11:00am. Meet the Friends of Ute Lake each day at the Ute Lake Logan Park Trail Head. Bring a hat, gloves, water, sunscreen, bug spray and a friend and join us in giving our trail some needed attention and TLC as well as earn some community service bonus points! Help us enrich our community with this simple, wonderful way to get outdoors and broaden horizons. Please contact the Ute Lake Visitor Center at (575) 487-2284 with any questions.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Bluewater Lake
Bluewater Beautification Campaign
Join staff and volunteers to clean up Bluewater Lake State Park on Saturday, October 19th! We'll meet at the visitor center at 9:00 AM and then disperse to clean up litter. Please bring a lunch and work gloves. Staff will provide trash bags. Entrance Fees are waived for those participating.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Mark Brown 505-876-2391




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Saturday, October 19
08:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brantley Lake
Shoreline Litter and Trash Clean-up
Join staff and volunteers for a shoreline litter and trash cleanup! Meet at the Limestone Campground Group Shelter at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 19. Drive into the park from Capitan Reef Rd. then continue into the campground, the group shelter will be on your right.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Ramon Carrillo (505) 690-2757




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Caballo Lake
Caballo Lake State Park Clean-Up
Come join park staff and volunteers for clean up around the park and tree trimming. Bring water, and gloves, and pack a lunch. Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center and then disburse to different areas in the park. Tools will be provided.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Abdon Aguirre 575-743-3942




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
City of Rocks
City of Rocks Highway Clean up
City of Rocks State Park and the Friends of City of Rocks will host a highway cleanup. The event will begin at 9:00 AM and last until noon. Please meet at the Cienega parking lot near Highway 61. Please bring gloves, plenty of water and snacks.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Gabriel L Medrano 575-536-2800




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Elephant Butte Lake
Beach Beautification
Join park staff, volunteers, and Friends of the Park to clean up sections of the beach and park after a long and busy summer season. Bring gloves, a hat, water, and snacks. Volunteers will meet at the Ridge Road Group Shelter and then relocate to various areas in the park.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Chris Bolen 575-744-5923




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fenton Lake
Hal Baxter Beautification Campaign
Join staff and volunteers to clean up the Hal Baxter Trail at Fenton Lake State Park on Saturday, October 19. Meet at the visitor center at 9:00 AM then hike the trail, cleaning up litter as we go. Please bring a lunch, water, and work gloves. Staff will provide trash bags.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Josh Heron 575-829-3630




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Heron Lake
Rio Chama Trail Beautification
Join staff and volunteers to clean up the Rio Chama Trail on Saturday, October 19. Meet at the Rio Chama Trailhead at Heron Lake starting at 9:00 AM. We'll hike the trail connecting Heron and El Vado Lake State Parks, cleaning up litter. Please bring a lunch, water, and work gloves. Staff will provide trash bags.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Mark Schichtle 575-588-7470




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hyde Memorial
Highway Trash Cleanup
Join staff and volunteers 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.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Park Staff 505-983-7175




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Saturday, October 19
09:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Manzano Mountains
Wildlife Fencing Project
Join us on Saturday, October 19 for a Wildlife Fencing Project. Meet at the group shelter to pick up a pass to waive the Day Use Fee. Pack a lunch, bring water, and work gloves, and wear long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. For more information contact Ranger Dylan Frentzel at (505) 479-1317.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Dylan Frentzel 505-479-1317




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Saturday, October 19
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mesilla Valley Bosque
Beautify the Bosque
Come out and join park staff, volunteers and other community members in beautifying Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park entrance road and trails, by picking up trash, raking garden trails, pruning and trimming trails. Plan on walking approx, 2mi round trip on easy to moderate trail. There is a $5 per vehicle DAY USE FEE required UPON ENTRY.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Navajo Lake
Navajo Lake Beautification Campaign
Join staff and volunteers to clean up Navajo Lake State Park on Saturday, October 19th! We'll meet at the visitor center at 9:00 AM and then disperse to clean up litter. Please bring a lunch and work gloves. Staff will provide trash bags. Entrance Fees are waived for those participating.
Fees: Waived
Contact: Victoria Gurule 505-632-2278




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Saturday, October 19
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Oliver Lee
Chihuahuan Desert Garden Clean Up
Our Chihuahuan Desert Garden needs some tender loving care! Join us as we pull weeds, trim brush, and remove dead trees. Many hands make light work. Tools will be provided. If you want to bring your own, feel free! Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen. There is plenty of parking at the visitor center. Please meet us in the garden. The regular $5 Park Entrance Fee applies or display your NM State Parks Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German 575-437-8284




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Saturday, October 19
10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Pecos Canyon
Painting Jamie Koch Pavillion
Let's keep New Mexico beautiful! Join us to help clean and paint the Willow Creek Day Use Area at Pecos Canyon State Park Saturday, October 19 starting at 10:00 AM. Meet at the Jamie Koch Pavilion, pack a lunch, water, work gloves, and a mask.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Pecos Canyon Park 505-670-8196




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Saturday, October 19
08:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Percha Dam
Riverbank & Nature Trail Clean-Up
Join park staff and the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society for clean up at Percha Dam State Park. Bring water, and gloves, and pack a lunch. Tools will be provided. Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center and then disburse to different areas in the park. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 cash or check applies, or display your NM Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Abdon Aguirre 575-743-3942




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Saturday, October 19
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Stories Under the Cottonwood Tree
Dianne Rossbach, ECO Storyteller and Master Naturalist will present stories about creatures that migrate ... especially bats. Migration is one of nature's wonders. Each year in October, we watch many birds and bats migrate southward to their winter habitat. (Yes, bats migrate, too) Meet in the Native Plant Garden at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park for multicultural tales, natural history facts, and participation that is "naturally" ... fun for all! Storytelling by Dianne Rossbach on 3rd Saturday each month (weather permitting). Program appropriate for kids aged 5 to 10 years old (or older) Children should always bring their own adult, so they can enjoy the program with their child Aside from the Park Day-Use Fee, there is no additional charge for this program. The Park Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle exact cash or check (Friends of the RGNC permit holders and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with valid permit displayed). COVID practices still app
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk 505-344-7240




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Saturday, October 19
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Rockhound
Native Garden & Labyrinth Trail
Native Garden & Labyrinth Trail Clean-Up. Join RHSP Staff and Friends Group members for a clean-up of Native Garden and Trails next to the Visitor Center.
Fees: Fees waived for participants
Contact: Rockhound State Park (575) 546-6182
State Park Event Calendar



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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Santa Rosa
Litter and Trash Clean-up
Please help make our State Parks beautiful! Join us on October 19 for a litter and trash cleanup event. There are no fees for participants. Meet at the visitor center, bring water, work gloves, and food or snacks. Trash bags will be provided and some trash grabbers as available. Please contact us if you have any question, we look forward to seeing you soon.
Fees: No fees for participants
Contact: Cody Creager (575) 472-3110




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Saturday, October 19
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Storrie Lake
Beautification Event
Join us for the Bollard Painting and Fishing Line Clean-up on Saturday, October 19 starting at 9:00 AM. Staff and volunteers will scour the Storrie Lake shoreline and park for fishing line and trash. We'll also paint bollards. Meet at the visitor center, pack a lunch, water, and work gloves.
Fees: Waived for participants
Contact: Manuel Villanueva 505-425-7278




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Saturday, October 19
07:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ute Lake
3D Bow Shoot
It's that time again! The Friends of Ute Lake invite you to test your skills at our 3D Bow Shoot. Come meet us at Rogers Point Spur B to get your archery on, Saturday, October 19th at 7:00 am. The fee is $25 per person for this all-you-can-shoot event. The regular $5 Park Entrance Fee also applies. Please bring exact cash or check, or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284




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Saturday, October 19
10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Villanueva
Trail Maintenance and Clean-up
Help Villanueva State Park with trail maintenance, moving small rocks off trail, trimming branches and grass, and litter pick-up. Meet at the Visitor Center. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 cash or check applies, or display your NM Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sam Encinias 575-421-2957




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Sunday, October 20
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Living Desert
Living Desert Trail Cleanup
Please help make our State Parks beautiful! Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park will host a cleanup event for staff and volunteers on October 20th. Participants will meet at the Visitors Center starting at 8:00 AM. Please bring work gloves, snacks, and water. There are no fees for participants.
Fees: No fees for participants
Contact: Rick Johnson (575) 887-5516




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Sunday, October 20
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Sunday, October 20
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Sumner Lake
Fall Shoreline Cleanup
Park staff and volunteers will walk the east and west shorelines of Sumner Lake to pick up trash and small debris for a fall clean-up. Participants of all ages are welcome. Gather at the Visitor Center just south of the main boat ramp. Entrance fees will be waived for volunteers.
Fees: Waived for volunteers
Contact: Jacob Terrell 575-355-2541




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Tuesday, October 22
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wendell Chino Building - Pecos Hall
Public Rules Hearing- Fees
Public Rules Hearing for Proposed Rulemaking 18.17.2 NMAC, 19.5.1 NMAC, 19.5.2 NMAC, and 19.5.6 NMAC (Fees Study). Date: October 22, 2024 Time: 10:00 a.m. Location: Wendell Chino Building, Pecos Hall 1220 S Saint Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505 Click the link below to join the meeting in view-only mode via Microsoft Teams Comments will not be taken through the Teams virtual option. Meeting ID: 243 207 692 672 Passcode: ouESfp Dial in by phone +1 505-312-4308,,27550260# United States, Albuquerque (888) 506-1357,,27550260# United States (Toll-free) Phone conference ID: 275 502 60# Those wishing to comment on the proposed rule amendment may make oral comments or submit information at the hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Written comments will also be accepted via email or by mail until 5 p.m. on October 22, 2024. Email: EMNRD-ParksComments@emnrd.nm.gov Mail: Jared Langenegger C/O Proposed Rule Amendment 1220 South Saint Francis Drive, Ste. 2
Fees: NA
Contact: Jared Langenegger 575-420-1733




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Friday, October 25
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Ute Lake
New Mexico Boating Basics Class
Get ready for next summer! New Mexico boating basics classes are starting up again. This month the class is on Friday, October 25th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The classes are FREE and will take place at the Logan Municipal School Ag building, classroom 2, in Logan, New Mexico. Please call the Ute Lake visitor center at (575) 487-2284 to register, or sign up at the Logan School Office.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284




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Saturday, October 26
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Trunk or Treat
Join park staff, local community members, friends, and volunteers, for a trunk or treat event at the upper boat ramp parking lot. Several decorated vehicles, equipment, and displays will be available for kids to get spooktacular surprises in a safe environment. There will be costumes, games, candy, and music. This event is FREE!
Fees: Free community event
Contact: Maribel Martinez 575-744-5923




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Saturday, October 26
06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Leasburg Dam
STAR PROGRAM
Join us for a night of star gazing. Members from the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces will operate a 16" telescope to view amazing night sky objects. Through several telescopes, you will see nebulae, globular clusters, star clusters, planetary nebulae, galaxies, and more! The show starts at sunset located at the Observatory - next to the visitor center parking lot. $5 per vehicle park entrance fee.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068




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Saturday, October 26
08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Leasburg Dam
Bird Tour
Join us on a guided tour. A Mesilla Valley Audubon birding expert will take you on a hike around Leasburg Dam State Park and help you learn how to identify birds. Meet at the Leasburg Dam State Park Visitor Center at 8am. Bring binoculars, appropriate hiking shoes and dress for the weather. The regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068




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Saturday, October 26
10:30 AM - 01:30 PM
Living Desert
Boo in the Zoo
Come join us for a spooktacular event with BOO in the ZOO!! On October 26th, we will have an amazing pumpkin patch, a creepy boneyard, and a spooky witches' den. Not to mention a haunted tunnel, goodie bags for the children, and Margaret's free book giveaway. Also featured this year, we will have crystal ball readings from Madam Know-it-All!! Participating visitors will have an opportunity to win family memberships for the Living Desert every half hour. Standard entrance fees for the zoo will be in effect.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Craig Jennings (575) 887-5516




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Saturday, October 26
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Sunday, October 27
08:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk
Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Registration is required. Please call the RGNC Front Desk at 505-344-7240 to sign up. Walks are limited to (12) people. The Park’s Day-Use Fee is $3.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC and NM State Parks annual permit holders enter free with a valid permit displayed. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, insect repellent and sunscreen, as needed. Meet at the Candelaria Viewing Area (Northeast side of the parking lot). If you are signed up and can’t attend, kindly call us so that we can open the spot to someone on the waiting list.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Front Desk (505) 344-7240




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Sunday, October 27
02:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Sumner Lake
Boo Bash!
Sumner Lake will be hosting the 1st annual Boo Bash. It will feature a Trunk or Treat, scavenger hunt, costume contest and craft area.
Fees: Waived
Contact: Jacob Terrell 505-269-8158




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Sunday, October 27
06:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Ute Lake
Tip Top Bass
Tip Top Bass will host a tournament on Sunday, October 27th from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm at Ute Lake State Park. Boats can launch from any of the five ramps in the park. It is a catch-and-release tournament with a weigh-in to be held at the Ute Lake Marina. Please bring exact cash or check for the $5 park entrance fee, or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Clay Jessop (912) 650-0000




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