Set in the scenic Moreno Valley and surrounded
by two of the states highest peaks, Baldy Mountain
and Wheeler Peak, this 2,400-acre lake is known
for its kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and perch
fishing.
ACTIVITIES
At 8,300 feet in elevation, the park offers a cool retreat
from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, campers and
wildlife enthusiasts. The new campground offers 19 dry
sites with a vault toilet and community water available.
A new state of the art "green" visitor center features
exhibits, a classroom, and expansive patio overlooking
the lake. An abundance of animals — elk, bear, mule deer,
eagles, turkeys and other birds inhabit the area, making
Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing. In
the winter, ice fishing, snowkiting and snowmobiling are popular
sports when ice thickness permits. Snowmobiling is limited to
the lake surface.
DIRECTIONS
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is about 160 miles Northeast
of Albuquerque, and 32 miles East of Taos and 65 miles
Southwest of Raton off of U.S. 64 in Northeastern New Mexico.
Surrounding communities include Eagle Nest, Angel Fire,
Red River and Cimarron.
CONTACT
On-site Ranger's Station: 575-377-1594
http://mvw.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/EaglesNest.htm
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Set in New Mexico's high country, where spectacular Palisade Cliffs
and clear running waters dominate the landscape, Cimarron Canyon
State Park is part of the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area --
the largest wildlife area in the state.
ANGLER'S DELIGHT
The cool, high mountain park offers excellent trout fishing. Anglers
can fish eight miles of premier brown trout waters for stocked browns
or rainbows. Smaller trout and solitude can be found in the Cimarron
River's tributaries — Clear Creek and Tolby Creek.
WILDLIFE ABOUNDS
Wildlife viewing and birdwatching is plentiful. Elk, deer, bear, turkey
and grouse attract hunters in the fall and winter.
FAVORITE ACTIVITIES
Crenelated granite formations make up sheer palisade cliffs that
dominate the park's scenery. From the main canyon, day hikes and
cross-country skiing are popular.
GETTING THERE
Cimarron Canyon State Park is three miles East of Eagle Nest
along US Hwy 64. The park is part of the Colin Neblett Wildlife
Management Area owned by the New Mexico State Game
Commission and the Department of Game and Fish, originally
funded in part by the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act.
CONTACT
On-site Park Ranger's Office: 575-377-6271
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/CimarronCanyon.htm
Vietnam Veteran's Memorial State Park
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park became New Mexico's
33rd State Park, on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2005.
HONOR AND RECOGNITION
The Memorial was established in 1968 by Victor and
Jeanne Westphall to honor their son, Lt. David Westphall,
who was killed in Vietnam in May 1968. When it opened
in 1971, it was one of the first Memorials of its kind in the
United States dedicated to Vietnam Veterans. Until
recently, it was funded and maintained by the David
Westphall Veterans Foundation. The Memorial was
formally transferred to New Mexico State Parks in
2005, making it the state's 33rd park. Now it is the only
state park in the U.S. dedicated solely as a Vietnam
Veterans Memorial.
A PLACE FOR REFLECTION AND HEALING
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial provides veterans,
and those who honor them, a refuge in which to reflect
and heal. A representative from the Department of
Veterans Services is present to offer assistance to
veterans who require or request it. The 6,000
square foot visitor center/museum houses exhibits,
videos and memorabilia. Veterans can use on-site
computers to locate friends or loved ones. Tours are
available, with advance notice by calling ahead, for
schools and other groups wishing to leam more.
VISITATION
Since its inception in 1968, it is estimated that there
have been more than 2.5 million visitors. In fact, there
are between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors each year.
GETTING THERE
Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park is located in
Angel Fire, 30 miles East from Taos on US Hwy 64.
CONTACT
On-site Park Ranger's Office: 575-377-2293
http://mvw.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRDNietnamVets.htm
Kit Carson National Forest
The Carson National Forest is one of five National Forests
in New Mexico. The National Forests are America's Great
outdoors, here to serve the American people at work and play!
Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is
found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National
Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at
Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. The objective is to
maintain that natural beauty.
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
The Carson National Forest offers unlimited recreational
opportunities in any season. The magnificent mountain
scenery and cool summer temperatures lure vacationers
to enjoy the peace and quiet, for fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking.
Winter activities include skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Some recreation
areas have undergone new and exciting renovations to make the National Forest
lands accessible to all. Plans are being implemented to make additional recreation
areas accessible. For the most current information on these and other areas,
please check with your local Forest Service office.
CONTACT
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/