New Mexico is called “The Land of Enchantment” for a reason. It’s a stunningly beautiful state with varied landscapes from captivating deserts to towering peaks.
Check out our map below of public lands in New Mexico to find your next hike, lake visit or family outing. And read on for highlights of ABQ Mom contributors’ favorite state parks, federal sites and local lakes.
On the map, blue icons represent lakes, green represent state parks and orange icons are National Parks Service sites and Bureau of Land Management sites.
ABQ MOM’S FAVORITE STATE PARKS & LAKES
Manzano Mountains State Park
Right in Albuquerque’s backyard is the Manzano Mountain State Park. If you’re looking for a quick getaway with forest trails and great views, check out this park.
“We love Manzano Mountains State Park. It’s just over an hour drive from Albuquerque. They have developed campsites that have great shade and scenic trails that are kid-friendly. It’s also very close to the Quarai Ruins of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument which are incredible to see.” – Tammira
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
In the heart of Albuquerque, is the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. The park is a great place to explore the river that gives our city life. The park is home to numerous trails that wind under the cottonwood trees, and a lovely nature center with a kids area. Birdwatching is popular here, as well as monthly story times and events.
City of Rocks State Park
If you find yourself in southwestern New Mexico, City of Rocks State Park is a climbing kid’s dream, between Silver City and Deming. Trails wind like city streets through giant rocks formed millions of years ago. It’s dog- and kid-friendly and a seriously cool stop in southwestern New Mexico.
Fenton Lake State Park
One of the closest lakes to Albuquerque, Fenton Lake is a nice escape from the city and is a popular site for fishing and canoeing.
Cerrillos Hills State Park
For a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure, check out Cerrillos Hills State Park, about an hour northeast of Albuquerque. Located off Turquoise Trail Highway in between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, this small day-use park includes five miles of trails through hills, past juniper trees, and along ancient mines. Indigenous peoples mined turquoise and galena for pottery glaze in the area. Later, the Spanish also mined galena, but for munitions. A dirt road runs through the small park and can be muddy after rain or snow.
Practice safe hiking by stopping by the visitor center in the small village of Cerrillos for road conditions and tips on what to do if you spot a mountain lion. If you’re hiking with kids, check out the first information sign stop at Village Vista Trailhead to use the pit toilet and grab a crossword puzzle with history about the region.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKING TRAILS
Petroglyph National Monument
Located on the West Mesa, Petroglyph National Monument is a perfect family hiking spot. Easy hikes in Boca Negra Canyon or Rinconada Canyon become I Spy games as kids marvel at the hundreds of petroglyphs covering the rocks. For beautiful city views, check out the Volcanoes Day Use Area.
Elena Gallegos Open Space
One of my family’s favorite local hikes begins in the Sandia foothills among cacti, then winds partway up the mountain into junipers and pinyon pines. Stop and play on the various boulders, and, on the way, enjoy panoramic views of the valley.
The Bosque
Endless trails and an excellent bike path wind through the Bosque, including trails in the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park. While the Bosque is a lovely shady summer escape, in the winter months, the bare cottonwood trees make it easier to spot porcupines hiding in the branches! My family had the most success porcupine spotting north of the Montaño Road bridge, parking at the Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area and Trailhead parking lot.
Cienega Picnic Area
Cienega Picnic Area is our favorite summer spot! Splash in the small creek, hike the nature trail, and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area. Pit toilets are open seasonally.
