New Mexico is comprised of 121,697 square miles.
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy for New Mexicans to get out of the house and visit an area around the state.
Luckily there are 35 state parks, which can be pure fun to explore.
Here’s a list of the parks located in the northeast quadrant of the state.
Cimarron Canyon State Park
The Cimarron River flows through the narrow, forested canyon, located near Eagle Nest on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. The park offers beautiful views, interesting geology, quiet camping and more. Park elevation: 7,876 feet.
Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways
The park is an oasis in the rolling grasslands of northeastern New Mexico. Boating, picnicking, camping, fishing and hiking is available. Get a glimpse of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in North America. Park elevation: 5,186 feet.
Conchas Lake State Park
Northwest of Tucumcari, this lake features secluded coves, canyons, and sandy beaches, excellent for camping, boating, and fishing. One of New Mexico’s largest lakes, there is plenty of shoreline. Park elevation: 4,253 feet.
Coyote Creek State Park
Coyote Creek State Park, about an hour southeast of Taos, is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along a meandering stream. Enclosed by a forest of spruce and pine, the small valley displays abundant wildflowers. Park elevation: 7,667 feet.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
Located on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, the lake is surrounded by the stunning scenery of the high mountains of the Moreno Valley. This lake is regularly stocked with trout and salmon. Park elevation: 8,200 feet.
Morphy Lake State Park
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at nearly 8,000 feet in elevation, this hidden lake sits at the edge of the Pecos Wilderness. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and offers excellent fishing. Park elevation: 7,953 feet.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
This reservoir on the plains of eastern New Mexico offers fishing, boating, camping and hiking, as well as abundant bird watching opportunities. Park elevation: 4,751 feet.
Storrie Lake State Park
This serene lake offers great opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and windsurfing. Choose from a variety of campsites with utility hookups for RVs. The park is conveniently located near historic Las Vegas. Park elevation: 6,607 feet.
Sugarite Canyon State Park
The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests and meadows. It is located at the New Mexico-Colorado state line. Park elevation: 6,664 feet.
Ute Lake State Park
This reservoir on the Canadian River is one of the longest lakes in the state at nearly 13 miles, and boasts a variety of fun water sports. Park elevation: 3,762 feet.
Villanueva State Park
The park is nestled between high sandstone bluffs that form a canyon along the Pecos River. Enjoy fishing, birding, wildflower viewing, or hiking the trails along the canyon walls. Park elevation: 6,110 feet.
