Cerrillos Hills
Pack Burro Race/Art in the Park Join us for the 4th Annual Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race in historic Cerrillos, NM. Race start is 10:00 AM at the corner of First and Main Streets in Cerrillos village. Take your pick of scenic viewing points from inside Cerrillos Hills State Park to cheer on more than 40 race teams from across the country as they follow a 3 or 6-mile course passing by our historic mine sites. As racers move through the park, the Amigos - parks friends group - hosts Art in the Park on the Visitor Center grounds. Check out the range of creative talent found on display from artists around the Turquoise Trail corridor. The event is free, and donations to the Amigos are welcome. However, race spectators or hikers in the park must pay the regular $5 day-use fee for New Mexico residents or a $10 fee for non-residents per vehicle.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: park staff 505-474-0196

Clayton Lake
Dinosaur Track hike Join us on an exciting journey through time as we explore the incredible dinosaur footprints left millions of years ago! View the footsteps of giants and uncover the secrets of the prehistoric past. A short slide show at the Visitor Center will take place before the hike. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Mark Funk 575-374-8808

Clayton Lake
Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower viewing On May 3rd the meteor shower should be visible, though it may not be at its peak intensity. For optimal viewing, we will meet at the Observatory, a dark, open area with a clear view of the sky. The hours between midnight and dawn are your best bet for spotting meteors however, our program will be held 10 to 11 PM. Remember to bring a blanket or reclining chair for comfort, early May be quite chilly! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Mark Funk 575-374-8808

Clayton Lake
Useful Knots for Camping Calling all tent campers! If you’ve ever struggled with ropes while setting up camp, this is your chance to learn a few simple knots that will make your outdoor adventure smoother and more enjoyable. Join us at the Shelter for a hands-on session where we’ll teach you the essential knots every camper should know. Whether you’re securing your tent, hanging a tarp, or just getting creative with camp setups, these easy-to-master techniques will save you time and frustration on your next trip! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Mark Funk 575-374-8808

Elephant Butte 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: Austin Franzoy 575-744-5923
Register Online

Oasis
Raptors of New Mexico Raptors of New Mexico Foundation (RNMF) currently houses educational birds and helps with wild bird rescue. RNMF does programs all over New Mexico at State Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, Public Schools, Public Libraries and other venues. At this presentation you will meet three live birds-of-prey and learn about the importance of raptors in our ecosystems. Also, you will learn what humans can do to help conserve these wild neighbors!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Valerie Russ 575-356-5331

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 an easy to moderate trail. The Regular Entrance Fee applies to all vehicles.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Spring Garden Festival Join us for our most popular event of the year! Come and enjoy bird walks, nature walks, pond explorations, live music, presentations, exhibits, vendors, arts/crafts, storytelling, food trucks, and plants for sale all weekend long! Welcome spring in community with the Nature Center! Parking fee $5.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC members enter free with valid permit displayed.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: RGNC Front Desk 505-344-7240

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Spring Garden Festival 2025 Join us for our most popular event of the year! Come and enjoy bird walks, nature walks, pond explorations, live music, presentations, exhibits, vendors, arts/crafts, storytelling, food trucks, and plants for sale all weekend long! Welcome spring in community with the Nature Center! Parking fee $5.00 per vehicle (exact cash or check). Friends of the RGNC members enter free with valid permit displayed.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: RGNC Front Desk 505-344-7240

Roswell 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

Sugarite Canyon
Migratory Bird Day - Beaver Pond World Migratory Bird Day is May 10, 2025! Bring your binoculars for a ranger-guided walk along Chicorica Creek to see a variety of birds and their habitats, including willow thickets and cottonwood forest. In recent years beavers have dammed the creek, creating a wetland that is visited by many migrant and breeding songbirds. Possible bird species we could see include the Dusky Flycatcher, Plumbeous and Warbling Vireos, MacGillivray's and Yellow Warblers, and Western Tanager. The walk is appropriate for all levels of birders, so bring the kids! Physical difficulty: Moderate; flat walking, but we may stray off trail for short distances. Meet at the Lake Alice Campground. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Lake Maloya Guided Bird Walk World Migratory Bird Day 2025 is celebrated this weekend. This day recognizes the migration of birds, during which they leave their homes and travel to other places in pursuit of food. Enjoy the high country while looking for some of the over 150 bird species that have been sighted around Lake Maloya. Lake Maloya is the major waterbody and attracts a variety of birds. Possible bird species include: various ducks, geese, Lewis's Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Violet-green Swallow, Pygmy Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, and Spotted Towhee. The theme of World Migratory Bird Day challenges during their journeys, such as habitat loss, climate change, and human-made obstacles. Staff from Santa Fe will be leading hikes on Saturday & Sunday. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit. Meet us at the Lake Maloya trailhead (before crossing the dam).
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-445-5607

Sugarite Canyon
The use and care of Binoculars Improve your birding experience with tips and techniques for using and caring for your binoculars. Never used binoculars? We'll show you how! Stop by our visitor center on May 10th at 9:00 AM for an informative tutorial. Starts at the Visitor Center. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Useful Knots for camping Make your tent camping trip more enjoyable with an easy course in rope use. Tying knots that stay together for an extended period can be tough. Join us on May 10th at 4:00 PM to learn a few basic knots that can make your camping trip easier and more fun! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Pinecone 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. You can take your pinecone feeders home too! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575-44- 5607

Clayton Lake
Discover the Birds of Prey Join us for an adventure into the world of raptors. See taxidermized exhibits and listen to the stories of their abilities in flight and incredible hunting prowess of these magnificent creatures up close. Find out the role that they play in their ecological niche. Discover the Conservation Efforts that have taken place and how you can help protect these incredible birds. Program will be near the Visitor Center. The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Mark Funk 575-868-2270

Clayton Lake
Useful Knots for camping Calling all tent campers! If you’ve ever struggled with ropes while setting up camp, this is your chance to learn a few simple knots that will make your outdoor adventure smoother and more enjoyable. Join us at the playground area for a hands-on session where we’ll teach you the essential knots every camper should know. Whether you’re securing your tent, hanging a tarp, or just getting creative with camp setups, these easy-to-master techniques will save you time and frustration on your next trip! Come tie it all together with us! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass/permit.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Mark Funk 575-374-8808

Leasburg Dam
STAR PROGRAM The 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 program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Living Desert
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

Oasis
Oasis Star Party Join the Clovis Astronomy Club for a night of stargazing on May 17, 2025. 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: Oasis State Park 575-356-5331

Sugarite Canyon
What's That? It's a Bat! You may see a small figure dance through the night skies here at the park. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a bat and the only mammal that flies! Come to the program and hear of the myths, legends, and facts of the bat. The program takes place at the Visitor Center. The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Circle the Lake Hike Join us for a pleasant 5-mile walk in the woods with the Park Ranger around Lake Moyola and a short hike across the Colorado wildlife management area. Bring good walking shoes, a walking stick (if needed), water, a sack lunch, a camera, and enthusiasm! The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies for all vehicles. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Night Sky Viewing Did you know Sugarite Canyon State Park is a Dark Sky reserve? Well away from city lights, the Park boasts incredible night skies. Venus and Mercury should be showing and with a new moon just peeking out, it should be a great night to look at the stars. The program is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies to all vehicles. Please bring exact cash or check or display a valid day-use permit or New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith 575 445 5607

Sugarite Canyon
Build a Pinecone Bird Feeder Learn about the birds of New Mexico, how to attract them to your home, and how to build a pinecone bird feeder to take home with you. A fun and educational activity for children and adults. The hike is free but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Do you have a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. 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

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

Sugarite Canyon
Coffee with a Ranger Got a Question for a New Mexico State Park Ranger? Get an answer at this Coffee with a Ranger event at Sugarite State Park's Lake Alice Campground on May 24th! We'll discuss events and programs in the park and the surrounding area, or anything you've always wanted to ask a ranger. Coffee and doughnuts (while they last) are served! The event is free, but the regular Park Entrance Fee applies. 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

Sugarite Canyon
Kiwanis Club Youth Fish Derby The Kiwanis club youth fishing derby will occur on Saturday 5/31/2025. The derby begins at 8 AM in the Boat Ramp parking area of Lake Maloya. Final youth contestant catches must be submitted for weigh out by 2 PM. Registration information for the Kiwanis fishing derby can be attained from the Raton Kiwanis Club at 131 N Second Street, Raton NM 87740 phone: 505-445-4746 or Sugarite Canyon Visitor Center starting May 1st,2025 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: Robert Mantz 575-445-4746