Santa Fe, NM – The State Parks Division is announcing seasonal changes to operational hours for some of its parks during the fall and winter season.
Some specific full closures include El Vado, Manzano Mountains, and Morphy Lake State Parks as early as November 1st. Other parks may close campgrounds, comfort stations, and recreational locations seasonally. Please check each park’s webpage at emnrd.nm.gov for detailed information before you visit.
“Seasonal closures are necessary not only to protect infrastructure but also to prevent damage or disturbance to our natural resources and wildlife,” said State Parks Director Toby Velasquez. “These are regularly scheduled seasonal closures; no park in the system will be permanently closed.”
New Mexico State Parks can be found in 25 of 33 counties and many are open for camping or day-use activities during the colder months. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park in Albuquerque and Cerrillos Hills State Park in Santa Fe are open year-round and perfect for a crisp-air hikes. Once temperatures drop and the snow falls, Hyde Memorial State Park in Santa Fe offers an awesome sledding hill and Eagle Nest Lake State Park is popular for rugged types who enjoy excellent ice fishing.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Find a Park section of the EMNRD website for operational hours. If you’re already thinking about spring, guests can make camping reservations up to six months in advance through reserveamerica.com. Book your trip today!
Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers ice fishing during the coldest months of winter. The park is located 30 miles east of Taos in Colfax County. Photo: NM State Parks
