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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: No fees for participants
Contact: Jonathan McGary 575-988-3638

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. For more information call (575) 524-4068. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 cash or check applies, or display your NM Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Austin 575-202-8808

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

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

Brantley Lake
Shoreline Litter and Trash Clean-up Help us beautify our state by joining Brantley Lake State Park 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. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 cash or check applies, or display your NM Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ramon Carrillo (505) 690-2757

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. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 will be in effect cash or check only, or display your NM State Parks Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Abdon Aguirre 575-743-3942

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. FREE EVENT!
Fees: No Fee
Contact: Gabriel L Medrano 575-536-2800

Elephant Butte Lake
Beach Clean UP 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. For more information call 575-744-5923. The regular Entrance Fee of $5 cash or check applies, or display your NM Annual Pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Chris Bolen 575-744-5923

Hyde Memorial
Highway Trash Cleanup Come help pick up trash along the Highway at Hyde Memorial State Park. The park will be providing, trash bags, grabbers and yellow safety vests. We will be meeting at the Visitor Center at 9am.
Fees: No fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-983-7175

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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