Leasburg Dam
STAR PROGRAM Star show begins at SUNDOWN. Each month we open the Leasburg Dam Observatory to the public. Members of the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces operate a large 16" telescope as well as other telescopes just outside the observatory. Through these telescopes, you can see amazing deep space objects, such as: globular star clusters, planetary nebulae, distant planets and far away galaxies!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: any park staff 575-524-4068

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

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Rockhound
Stars-n-Parks Amateur Astronomer Mike Nuss will be discussing what to observe in the night skies.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert V. Apodaca 575-546-6182

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Bluewater Lake
The Beauty of Things Passing: Haiku Have you ever admired the beauty of sunset? Felt an ache in your chest as the leaves change from green to yellow? Watched the clouds drift apart against the background of a blue sky? Join Ranger Gianna for a haiku workshop grounded in the Japanese concept Mono No Aware – the beauty of things passing. Together we will sit outside with a notebook and pencil and notice the small things.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Gianna Farrell 505-618-0733 

Leasburg Dam
20 target 3D shoot Join us at Leasburg Dam State Park for a 3-D archery fun shoot/ASA Qualifier shoot including 20 targets!! New Mexico residents $5.00. Non-residents $10 or display a valid New Mexico State Parks annual pass.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Buffy 575-373-5304

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

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

Hyde Memorial
Write out Hyde Memorial Join Ranger Brynn for an afternoon of readings, hiking and creative writing in Hyde Memorial State Park. Readings will include, Mary Oliver, Wendel Berry and Robin Wall Kimmerer. A journal, pen or pencil are suggested. This year’s theme: Write Where We Stand, centers writing in the places that shape and sustain us. We will meet at Group Shelter #2 and hike halfway up the East Circle Trail, approx. 1 mile out and back. 
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196

Cerrillos Hills
Tales & Trails : Writing Workshop Join Seasonal Ranger Jamie for a creative writing workshop in Cerrillos Hills State Park and explore ways to be inspired by nature! The day will begin at the Visitor Center with readings from selected authors. Afterward, we will caravan to the park for a guided hike. Following, we will meet back at the Visitor Center to collect our inspiration and work on writing to share with each other.  Please pack a lunch or plan to eat in the area. Supplies recommended: paper pad, pen/pencil, sketchbook, phone or camera, sunhat, water bottle, snacks and good hiking shoes.  Meet at the State Park Visitor Center at 37 Main Street, Los Cerrillos NM 87010. Be prepared to carpool or caravan to the State Park Entrance 1/2 mile from the visitor center. 
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196
CerrillosHills.org

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

Manzano Mountains
Bio-Blitz Join us for a fun day exploring nature in the park! We'll be finding, identifying and recording all living things as fast as we can in the park. The day will start with a bird specific walk at 9am, guided by park staff and volunteers, as we walk the Nature Trail and campground exploring and identifying for the many species of birds that winter here. At 11 am will be a general species/outdoor education walk lead by Regional Interpretive Ranger Brynn. You can join in for both parts of the day or choose one. All experience levels are welcome!! Things to bring: Water, snacks, sunscreen, binoculars (if you have them), a journal, your phone, and anything else to keep you comfortable outside for a few hours. A small amount of loaner binoculars will be available for use.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Matthew Christian 505-469-7608

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Poetry in the Park The Rio Grande Nature Center presents poetry in the park! In this course you will learn about different types of poetry styles and fun facts about the natural life that surrounds us. With this knowledge you will become a poet sharing your reflections and observations through your writing. This event is open to everyone!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Olivia Martinez 505-344-7240

Cerrillos Hills
Moon Hike Join this guided hike to learn interesting lunar facts and folklore! We will take time to observe the moon through the park's spotting telescope. Be prepared to hike in low light conditions. Red light flashlights will be provided.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196
https://www.cerrilloshills.org/events

City of Rocks
City of Rocks Trunk or Treat Bring your little ones to City of Rocks 2nd annual Trunk or Treat. The Trunk or Treat will take place in the Orion Group area.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Gabriel Medrano 575-536-2800

Elephant Butte Lake
4th annual Trunk or Treat 4th Annual trunk or treat in Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Come out and join us for a safe community event with lots of candy, costumes and fun games. If you would like to set up, please contact Maribel Jimenez at 575-744-5923 EXT 1003 or by email maribel.jimenez@emnrd.nm.gov
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Maribel Jimenez 575-744-5923

Living Desert
Boo in the Zoo On October 24th, join us for a spooktacular event at the Living Desert State Park with the return of Boo in the Zoo. Come see the amazing pumpkin patch, creepy boneyard, spooky witches' den, and haunted tunnel, not to mention the return of Madam Know-it-All and her crystal ball readings (crystal ball readings are for entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered a genuine outlook of the future). The event starts at 1:00pm and will conclude at 4:00pm (last entry into the zoo will be 3:30pm). There will be fun for the whole family, and goodie bags will be given to the youngsters. Hope to see you there!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Craig Jennings (575) 887-5516

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

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381

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

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

Hyde Memorial
Birding Walk Join local birder, Dave Eslinger and Ranger Brynn on a birding walk to glimpse birds in Hyde State Park! Bring your binoculars, or borrow ours, and learn how to identify birds in the alpine zone.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196

Sumner Lake
Boo Bash! Sumner Lake will be hosting the 3nd annual Boo Bash. It will feature a Trunk or Treat, scavenger hunt, costume march, truck contest and more!
Fees: Waived
Contact: Jacob Terrell 5052698158

Cerrillos Hills
Tarantula Hike Happy Halloween! Hike the trails of Cerrillos Hills State Park to learn about tarantula behavior, life cycle, and biology. If we're lucky, we might encounter one!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Ranger Brynn 505-474-0196

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

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician. He also served as a senator and state representative. The reconstructed house, originally built in 1893, is undergoing renovations. The displays are not intact, but you can still view the house. Your walking tour of Lee's Dog Canyon Ranch Headquarters will provide a glimpse of the history of early ranching in the Tularosa Basin. Meet at the visitor center. You will drive your own vehicle, following a staff member to the Ranch House about 1.5 miles away. We recommend you bring water to drink. A $10 per vehicle day use fee is required upon entry for non-New Mexico residents.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Kate German (505) 660-7381