State Parks greets fall with free day-use and family events

Whether plans include a morning on the lake, a walk beneath changing leaves, or a Halloween outing with the kids, state parks offer opportunities to enjoy the season close to home.

Source: New Mexico State Parks
Images: Courtesy

SANTA FE –New Mexico State Parks invites residents to make the most of their fall season with free standard day-use at 33 state parks through April 30, seasonal kokanee salmon fishing and events that should bring families outside across the state.

Whether plans include a morning on the lake, a walk beneath changing leaves, or a Halloween outing with the kids, state parks offer opportunities to enjoy the season close to home. 

“Fall is a great time to return to a favorite park or discover one you haven’t visited,” said New Mexico State Parks Division Director Toby Velásquez. “We invite New Mexicans to bring their families, try something new, create new memories, and make spending time outdoors part of their traditions.”

Free standard day-use for New Mexico residents

From October 1 through April 30, New Mexico residents get free day-use entry at most state parks (nonresident fees still apply). Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park and Rio Grande Nature Center State Park are excluded. 

Kokanee salmon snagging season

The special kokanee salmon snagging season runs through Dec. 31 at Navajo Lake and Eagle Nest Lake State Parks. Designated no-wake areas and nearby shorelines at Navajo Lake’s Pine River and Simms boat ramps remain closed to snagging throughout the season. Spawning operations will be ongoing during the season; if nets are present fish are spawning. New Mexico State Park officials ask anglers and the public to keep away and do not disturb operations.

Anglers must meet applicable fishing license requirements and follow New Mexico Department of Wildlife regulations. During the special snagging season, the kokanee salmon limit is 12 per day and 24 in possession. 

Check lake conditions and help protect our waters

Before heading to the lake, visitors should check the State Parks lake conditions page for water levels, boat ramp access and recreation restrictions. Always wear a life jacket. Conditions vary by location and can change throughout the season. 

Boaters and anglers can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) by cleaning, draining, and drying boats, trailers, and equipment after returning from out-of-state travel. Remove mud and aquatic plants, drain live wells and allow equipment to dry before visiting another waterbody. Drain plugs must be pulled during watercraft transport in New Mexico. Watercraft inspection is still required for out of state registered boats and for those boats that have left the state.

Find your inspiration outdoors

Writers, poets and anyone curious about putting pen to paper are invited to discover a different side of New Mexico State Parks this fall. Write Outs and other creative programs offer opportunities to explore outdoors, notice the details and turn those observations into visual or written art. 

Bring your curiosity and let the landscape inspire your next poem, story or sketch. 

Fall events to put on the calendar

Upcoming highlights include:

• Oct. 11 – Art in the Park at Villanueva State Park
• Oct. 11 – The Beauty of Things Passing: Haiku at Bluewater Lake State Park
• Oct. 16 – Write Out “Write Where We Stand” at Hyde Memorial State Park
• Oct. 17 – Tales and Trails at Cerrillos Hills State Park
• Oct. 18 – Poetry at the Park at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
• Oct. 24 – Trunk or Treat at Elephant Butte Lake State Park 
• Oct. 24 – Boo in the Zoo at Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
• Oct. 24 – Trunk or Treat at City of Rocks State Park
• Oct. 25 – Boo Bash! At Sumner Lake State Park
• Oct. 31 – Tarantula Hike at Cerrillos Hills State Park

Visitors can find the list of all 35 state parks, check current conditions, check for upcoming events, and plan their visit at emnrd.nm.gov/spd/