Avoid the Crowds in New Mexico

The Land of Enchantment’s lesser-known State Parks are secluded, scenic and oh-so unique.

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Words by Steve Fennell

From natural attractions such as The Rio Grande Gorge and Carlsbad Caverns National Park to acclaimed events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and the ever-unique UFO Festival in Roswell, New Mexico is a haven for adventurous and curious RVers. With many other natural attractions like White Sands National Park and up to 35 State Parks, there’s a lot to see and experience in The Land of Enchantment.

It’s easy to overlook some of the other existing destinations within the state’s boundaries. If your snowbird travel plans include travelling through New Mexico, here are just a few of the State Parks to visit where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and a variety of outdoor activities during the winter months.

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, Alamogordo

The Alamogordo area is widely known in the history books as being in the vicinity of the Trinity Test where the first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945. Of course, the region has long since been inactive and is home to several protected areas including the Lincoln National Forest, White Sands National Park as well as Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.

A great retreat to escape the crowds, this state park at the foot of the Sacramento Mountains is approximately 259 ha (640 ac). It may not be the largest park in New Mexico but for what it lacks in size, it makes up for with appealing characteristics. To begin with, its campground has a mix of 44 tent and RV sites and when you visit with a trailer or motorhome, you’ll appreciate the 30-amp power, water, modern washroom facilities, and dumping station.

The real benefits, however, are the great surrounding mountain views right at your RV’s doorstep. You’ll want to go further afield on the 1.1 km (.7 mi) scenic and pet-friendly Dog Canyon Nature Walk. Although the trail has been damaged due to consistent torrential downpours in 2019 and previous years, part of the trail is still accessible and offers other great views of the area. www.emnrd.nm.gov

Heron Lake State Park, Tierra Amarilla

Located in Northern New Mexico at an elevation of 2,185 m (7,167 ft), Heron Lake State Park is perhaps best visited on the return trip home from a southern destination (in late spring) when temperatures are a little milder. Average temperatures range from highs of 4°C (39.2°F) in January to an average high of 15°C in April. The area also receives its fair share of snow accumulation in the colder months so be sure to drive with caution.

Despite the winter conditions, the park stays open all year. The lake, which spans 24 sq km (9 sq mi) and the reservoir for the nearby Heron Dam, is popular for ice fishing while cross country skiing and snowshoeing make great day trips. If you’re an avid angler, Kokanee salmon is in season between November 1 and January 31, while rainbows and lakers can be caught all year.

When the higher temperatures prevail, more than 60 RV sites are mere seconds from the shoreline and the lake is popular for sailing, kayaking, boating and swimming. (*Ed note: As of May 2021, Heron Lake was forced to close its boat ramp due to falling water levels from excessive drought conditions so it’s best to check water levels before visiting).

To explore the area, the  8 km (5.1 mi) Salmon Run Trail, which starts at the park’s visitor centre and ends at the Heron Dam, leads through a forest of ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, and sagebrush. It consists of graded gravel terrain and the skill level is considered moderate to difficult.

There’s also the moderate 9 km (5.5 mi) Rio Chama Trail that starts at Heron and links to El Vado Lake State Park. The trailhead begins south of the highway just east of the Heron Dam and a staircase leads down into the canyon and across a suspension bridge over the Rio Chama River, offering great views of the area. Another trail system to enjoy is the easy 4 km (2.4 mi) East Meadow Trail that’s flanked by pristine forests and meadows where you’re rewarded with views of the Brazos Cliffs and Lake Heron at the end. www.newmexico.org

Villanueva State Park, Villanueva

Approximately 90 minutes south of Tierra Amarilla outside of Sante Fe in Northeastern New Mexico is Villanueva State Park. At an elevation of 1,862 m (6,110 ft) it is a little chilly in January and February with average high temps of around 10 to 12°C (50 to 53°F) but in March and April expect more comfortable temperatures between 17 to 21° C (63 to 70°F). It’s also a cooler retreat come summer if you want to escape the heat in other parts of the state.

What makes this park appealing for transient RVers is its location. Secluded and situated under towering sandstone bluffs in a valley along the Pecos River, its scenic grounds consist of cottonwood trees and many activities can be enjoyed here such as fishing (as the river is stocked with German brown trout, rainbows and channel catfish), canoeing and kayaking (*Ed note the best on-water experiences are commonly enjoyed from May to mid-June when water levels are higher).

To further appreciate the area, hike the steep and challenging 3.2 km (2 mi) Viewpoint Loop Trail that ascends rocky slopes for mesmerizing views of the valley. Less experienced hikers can take the 1 km (.64 mi) El Cerro Trail to enjoy equally stunning vistas of the park from the north side of the Pecos.

There’s also the easier River Trail. As its name suggests, it leads along the shoreline for .5 km (0.28 mi). Birding along these easier trails is popular and where Chipping Sparrows, Morning Doves, meadowlark and Swainson’s Hawks can be observed.

www.emnrd.nm.gov

City of Rocks State Park

RVing in New Mexico isn’t all about camping at higher elevations. The state’s geography can be quite the opposite. In the southwest, approximately 30 minutes north of Deming along the west- and east-bound I-10, is City of the Rocks State Park.

With desert-like conditions (as it’s located in the Chihuahuan desert region), expect warmer weather in the winter and the best time to visit is in the early fall, winter and spring when the temperatures are milder (and the rattlesnakes are more dormant!).

However, the main draw is setting up camp among its range of towering rock columns, created 34.9 million years ago from volcanic ash and sculpted from erosion over many Mega-annums. Visiting this geological attraction is like briefly visiting another world and camping at the base of this ‘small city of rock formations’ is truly a unique experience. Narrow paths in between allow further exploration, discovery, and there are even designated areas for tent camping.

The park has 50 sites (with ten reservable for RVers), each featuring sewage/power, good privacy, picnic tables and fire rings with a grill. Potable water, hot showers. Flush and vault toilets are also available. Activities like hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, birding, and even stargazing will enhance your visit.

While driving west to an RV park for the winter in Arizona or travelling southeast to Texas, these state parks are just a few of the lesser-known but exciting side trips to discover. Better yet, a lot of them are nearby to other New Mexico National Parks and monuments that will provide a well-rounded and memorable snowbird destination. www.emnrd.nm.gov

For more information on these state parks and more visit www.nexmexico.org