Start the Year with Nature: State parks offering nature hikes in New Mexico, eagle counting at Abiquiu Lake
Dec. 29—Start off the New Year outside with the First Day Hike program from the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Eleven state parks will participate in New Mexico as part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative across the U.S.
First Day Hikes
Bottomless Lakes
Join for a guided tour with a ranger along the bluffs.
LOCATION: 545 A Bottomless Lakes, Roswell, 575-988-3638
HOURS: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
COST: Entry Fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Cerrillos Hills
This year's hike will be hosted by the Amigos de Cerrillos Hills State Park and will feature a trivia contest with prizes. The planned route will cover just over 3 miles, with a planned mid-point drop off at 1.5 miles. Dogs are welcome on leashes.
LOCATION: 37 Main St. Cerrillos, 505-474-0196
HOURS: 1-3 p.m.
COST: Free
Elephant Butte Lake
Learn more about the dam at Elephant Butte. The north walk is roughly three miles round trip and the south route is about a half a mile. Only foot traffic is allowed on the dam.
LOCATION: 101 Hwy 195 Elephant Butte, 575-744-5923
HOURS: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Wish the animals a happy New Year on a self-guided tour along the 1.3 miles trail.
LOCATION: 1504 Skyline Dr. Carlsbad, 575-887-5516
HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
COST: Free
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
This hike takes visitors on a moderate climb at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. Enjoy views of the Tularosa Basin and White Sands.
LOCATION: 409 Dog Canyon, Alamogordo, 575-437-8284
HOURS: 10-11:30 a.m.
COST: Free
Pancho Villa State Park
Explore the cultural and environmental aspects of the park on this roughly three-quarter-mile hike through the history of the Pancho Villa Raid and Camp Furlong.
LOCATION: 400 West Highway 9, Columbus, 575-531-2711
HOURS: 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Explore the views and scenery around the park.
LOCATION: NM Highway 91 Santa Rosa, 575-472-3110.
HOURS: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Sugarite Canyon State Park
This ranger-led hike will go along Coal Camp Trail, which is about 1.75 miles with a 120-foot elevation gain. Be prepared for winter weather.
LOCATION: 211 Highway 526 Raton, 575-445-5607
HOURS: 1-2 p.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Ute Lake State Park
Enjoy a guided tour along the roughly one-and-a-half-mile trail.
LOCATION: 1800 540 Loop, Logan, 575-487-2284
HOURS: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
Sumner Lake State Park
On this guided tour, visitors will learn about the native plants, wildlife, insects and history of the park.
LOCATION: 32 Lakeview Lane, Sumner Lake, 575-355-2541
HOURS: 2-3 p.m.
COST: Entry fee $5 per vehicle, cash or check only, no credit cards accepted
In addition to the hikes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff at Abiquiu Lake will host their annual midwinter eagle survey. The event is free and open to the public, meet at the Visitor's Center for registration. Hot Cocoa will be provided during registration. Visitors are reminded to dress warmly. Spotting scopes, binoculars and long range cameras are encouraged to aid in eagle spotting. Eagles will be counted starting at 10 a.m.
LOCATION: 4731 Hwy 96, Abiquiu, 505-685-4371
TIME AND DATE: Saturday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m.-noon