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 approximately 2 miles 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

Ute Lake
New Mexico Boating Basics Class Get ready for next summer! The New Mexico boating basics classes are starting up again. This month the class is on Friday, April 5th 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. 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: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284

Manzano Mountains
Manzano Opening Weekend Event At the event we will reveal exciting new features and accommodation at the park that include an all-terrain wheelchair, wildlife drinkers and a self-guided nature trail brochure. In addition, we will display biofact, have a ranger led hike and a representative from the Manzano Land Grant will be present to share the rich history of the region.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Levi Dean 505 344-7240

Navajo Lake
F.C Bowhunter Assoc. Spring Fling 3D Competition & Fun Shoot. 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: David Archuleta 505-320-8242

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Extraordinary Life of Maria Chabot The Extraordinary Life of Maria Chabot. Maria Chabot (1913–2001), writer, rancher, photographer, and historian. Maria Chabot lived in the neighborhood, near the Park, for many years. She was involved with the beginnings of the Rio Grande Nature Center. Before that, Chabot had traveled the world and knew well many of the twentieth century’s most renowned artists. She was an advocate for Native American and Spanish colonial arts. She was responsible for the founding of Santa Fe’s Indian Market. She was a friend of Georgia O'Keeffe and assisted with the construction of O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiu. She owned Los Luceros, now a New Mexico Historic Site, and was mayordomo of the Alcalde ditch system. Presentation by Kathy Chilton, member of the Alvarado Garden Neighborhood Association. 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).
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. Preregistration 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
575 Bass Club 575 Bass Club will host a bass tournament on Saturday, April 6th from 4:00 AM to 4:30 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. This tournament is a fundraiser to help offset the cost of adding veterans' names to the Melrose Veterans Memorial. 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: Mark Latham (575) 309-4496

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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, April 7th 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

Cerrillos Hills
Eclipse viewing Join the Amigos de Cerrillos Hill State Park at the park Visitor Center for eclipse viewing. Although Cerrillos is not in the path of totality at deepest eclipse, the sun will be 73% covered. Still a remarkable sight and certainly not something we see every day! Partial eclipse begins at 11:18 AM Deepest phase of eclipse at 12:32 pm partial eclipse ends at 1:49pm Viewing devices to watch the sun safely will be set-up out front of the Visitor Center. Free solar viewing glasses will be available for all visitors, while supplies last.
Fees: Donations welcome
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196
Visitor Center and Park Map

Pecos Canyon
Eclipse Viewing Join us Monday, April 8, 2024, as a total solar eclipse crosses North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be available to visitors on a first come first served basis. 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: Park Staff 505-670-8196

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Partial Solar Eclipse Join us Monday, April 8, 2024, as a total solar eclipse crosses North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be available to visitors on a first come first served basis. 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: Park Staff 505-344-7240

Villanueva
Solar Eclipse Join us at Villanueva State Park Visitor Center. Receive your viewing glasses starting at 8:00 AM. Eclipse begins at 11:15 am and approaches maximum annularity at about 12:30 AM. Bring along camp chairs and other items for your comfort. Park fees are $5 per vehicle or free with a valid New Mexico State Parks pass. To streamline your arrival, bring exact cash $5 or a check and follow the self-permitting process upon arrival at pay station. Solar eclipse viewing glasses are provided on a first come, first served basis.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Sam Encinias 575-421-2957

Oliver Lee
Live Birds of Prey Join us in the Chihuahuan Desert Garden to meet a hawk, owl, and vulture in person. New Mexico Raptors was started in 2006 by wildlife educator, Laura McCann. This non-profit organization is dedicated to teaching New Mexicans about wildlife conservation and the importance of raptors in our environment. NMR does live birds-of-prey presentations throughout the state with injured non-releasable birds that are native to the Land of Enchantment. 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: Kate German (575) 437-8284

Oliver Lee
Star Party Join us as we focus on Jupiter and the quarter moon. Presented by the Alamogordo Astronomer’s Group. Meet at the Oliver Lee State Park Group Shelter. 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: Kate German (575) 437-8284

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
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: Scott Chalmers 505-490-3507
Register Online

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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.
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

Ute Lake
Officer Hare Memorial 6 Mile Run In honor and remembrance of our friend, NMSP Officer Justin Hare, the Friends of Ute Lake in hand with our NM Law Enforcement and First Responder Agencies, will be holding a 9.66K/6 mile walk/run/bike fundraiser. The run will take place on Saturday, April 13th from 9:00am to 2:00pm (last minute registration is from 8:00am to 8:45am). It will start at the Gallegos Street school parking lot, Logan, NM. Registration fee is $30.00 and all proceeds will be donated to his family. All ages are welcome. Preregister by April 2nd for a t-shirt (see Facebook). For more information, please call (575) 487-2284 or the Friends of Ute Lake Facebook page.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Laken Humble (575) 487-2284

Ute Lake
Sun Country Bass Sun Country Bass will host a tournament on Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th from 6:00 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: Aaron Brewer (575) 218-5227

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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. Preregistration 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.
National Water Dance at RGNC Keshet Dance is excited to join the annual National Water Dance Projects! “Moving Forward Together,” here in the Southwest, speaks specifically to the denial of Navajo Nation water rights. This multidisciplinary showcase explores water as both sacred and essential, and delivers a powerful, inspirational experience. National Water Dance (NWD) is a biennial event which gathers dance teachers, practitioners, choreographers, and community members to take part in simultaneous dance across the nation. FOR MORE INFO: https://keshetarts.org/event/national-water-dance/ 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). Performance is FREE!
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: RGNC Front Desk 505-344-7240

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Stories Under the Cottonwood Tree Join us for Stories Under the Cottonwood Tree, at The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. Saturday April 20, 2024, at 10:30 am. Meet in the Native Plant Garden. Storyteller & Master Naturalist, Dianne Rossbach, has April myths and tall tales to share. Would love to hear YOUR April Fool jokes ... or family legends handed down about "how strong the wind was when ... ". These sessions are filled with fun, natural history facts, songs, folk lore, and, of course, stories! Especially for those aged 5 to 10 years old. Children should always bring their own adult, so they can enjoy the fun, too! 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). Stories Under the Cottonwood Tree will be offered at 10:30 am on the third Saturday of each month (weather permitting)
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: RGNC Front Desk 505-344-7240

Ute Lake
Texas Panhandle Bass Anglers Texas Panhandle Bass Anglers will host a tournament on Saturday and Saturday, April 20th, from 7:00 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: Cory Bliss (806) 395-7654

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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
Golden Spread Bass Masters Golden Spread Bass Masters will host a tournament on Sunday, April 21st, from 5:00 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: Leonard Eastepp (806) 236-2581

Ute Lake
Hereford Bass Club Hereford Bass Club is hosting a tournament on Sunday, April 21st 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

Navajo Lake
Roadrunner Hunting Retriever Club Retriever hunting tests to demonstrate and test natural and trained abilities of hunting retriever dog breeds in simulated dove and duck hunting scenarios. 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: Mary McNeese 505-554-5809

Sugarite Canyon
Coal Camp Interpretive hike The Stateline Christian School of Texline Texas is bringing a group of 40 students to learn about the historic Sugarite Canyon Coal Camp. Special Use permit# 24-38-003
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Bradley Smith 806-333-4391

Ute Lake
Chuck Wagon Gathering The 23rd Annual Chuck Wagon Gathering will take place April 26-28 at the Cottonwood Campground of Ute Lake State Park. Trail and ranch chuck wagons will cook a meal of chicken fried steak, potatoes, beans, bread, and cobbler for the public. Everything will be made from scratch. No mixes will be used, and spices are to be period. Participants will be dressed in period clothing for the event. For tickets visit www.canadianriverrenegades.com. Along with the Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, there will be a Vintage Car Show in the Roadrunner Campground, on Saturday, April 27th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, weather permitting. 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: Sharon Reid (575) 403-8320

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

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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
Raptors of New Mexico Come out and see and learn about 3 LIVE Raptors! Expert rehabilitator Laura McCann, of New Mexico Raptors will handle these 3 live raptors and provide you with interesting and informative details about each of these environmentally important birds. Seating will be limited to first 30 people. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through our native gardens and Exhibit Hall or one of our longer easy to moderate trails. There is a $5 per vehicle DAY USE FEE required UPON ENTRY.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Alex Mares 575-523-4398

Rio Grande Nature Ctr.
Guided Bird Walk Join us for our Guided Bird Walks every Saturday and Sunday morning. Preregistration 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