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 505-603-8521
Register Online

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving 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

Conchas 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: Ramon Carrillo 505-603-8521
Register Online

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

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving 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

Cimarron Canyon
Owl Prowl An "owl prowl" is a guided nighttime excursion, led by your park ranger, to observe owls in their natural habitat. It will involve a night hike, learning about owl behaviors, playing back owl calls. An extra part of program will involve a "Lifesaver" candy. Starts near the Lake Alice Camp Ground
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Robert Smith (575) 445 5607

Oliver Lee
Oliver Lee Ranch House Tour In the early 19th century, Oliver Lee was a prominent rancher and politician: serving 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

Eagle Nest Lake
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

Eagle Nest Lake
Birds of Prey at the Visitor Center 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: Jordan Mitchell 575-377-1603

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: serving 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

Ute Lake
Birds of Prey: Shadows & Soaring 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 at the playground near the Yucca Campground. 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: Jeremy Morrison (575) 487-2284

Ute Lake
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 April 25th at 10:30 AM to learn a few basic knots that can make your camping trip easier and more fun! Program will be held at the playground near the Yucca Campground
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Jeremy Morrison (575) 487-2284

Ute Lake
Fish Printing (Gyotaku) n this craft-style workshop, kids can create their very own fish prints using a cool art technique called "gyotaku" the traditional Japanese way of printing fish! We also look at the different species of Fish in New Mexico. You don't need to be an expert artist to enjoy this fun and easy activity. Wear old clothing - you may get dirty. The program will be held near the Yucca Campgrounds. 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: Jeremy Morrison (575) 487-2284

Ute Lake
Campfire tales and S'mores There’s something timeless about campfire stories and s’mores—they connect generations, spark imaginations, and remind us why we love camping in the first place. "Campfire tales and s'mores" refers to the tradition of sharing stories, often scary or adventurous, around a fire while enjoying the classic campfire treat made of graham crackers, chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow. This combination is a timeless camping activity that connects people, sparks imagination, and is a favorite way to end a day of outdoor recreation. Good for all ages, younger children may need assistance with the marshmallows. If the weather does not let us have a wood campfire, we will use a small propane "campfire". Program will be held near the Yucca Campground.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact: Jeremy Morrison (575) 487-2284

Conchas Lake
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. This is a fun and educational activity for children and adults and you can take the bird feeder home with you! The hike 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

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