New Mexico's Best State Parks
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a zoological and botanical park exhibiting plants and animals of the Chihuahuan Desert in their native habitat. A 1.3 mile self guided walking tour, taking about 1.5 hours, explores the park's wonder. See a mountain lion, bobcats, golden eagles, a roadrunner, reptiles, bison, elk, mule deer, Mexican wolves, the popular prairie dogs, and the greenhouse displaying cacti and succulents from around the world. Inside the Visitor Center are interactive interpretive displays, mineral exhibits and a gift shop. Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is located on the north edge of Carlsbad, New Mexico, atop the Ocotillo Hills overlooking the city and Pecos River.
Formed of volcanic ash 30 million years ago and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks, City of Rocks State Park takes its name from these incredible rock formations. The rock formations at the park are so unique that they are known to exist in only six other places in the world. Imaginative visitors may see the rock formations as a small city, complete with houses, chimneys, courtyards, and streets. Until 1200 A.D., Mimbres Indian roamed this area and left arrowheads and pottery shards as evidence of their culture. Spanish conquistadors also spent time in the area, carving crosses into the rocks. Today, visitors can camp, hike, and see a sampling of southwestern plants and animals. The park's desert botanical garden is home to cow's tongue and bunny ear cacti, Yucca, and towering Century plants. Deer, rattlesnakes, antelope, javelinas, and jackrabbits are frequently seen in the area, along with over 35 species of birds, ranging from Golden Eagles to finches. City of Rocks State Park is located in southwestern New Mexico between Silver City and Deming.
Sugarite Canyon State Park, one of New Mexico's newest parks, lies 6 miles northeast of Raton on the New Mexico - Colorado border. The park consists of approximately 4,000 acres of oak and ponderosa pine forest in a canyon and mesa setting. Elevations range from 7,000 feet at the park entrance to 8,300 feet atop Little Horse Mesa. Located near the visitor center are the historic remains of the Sugarite coal camp. Through the displays in the center and by hiking the 1 mile trail through the ruins, visitors can get a taste of what life was like in an early twentieth century coal camp. Because of the wide variety of terrain and plants in the park, there is an abundance of wildlife. Sightings of mule deer, turkey, and black bear are quite common. Other animals found in the park include elk, mountain lions, bobcats, red tailed hawks, blue jays, and abert squirrels. Recreational opportunities in the park include fishing for rainbow trout on two small lakes, Maloya and Alice, hiking on nearly 10 miles of trails, camping, and picnicking. Some of the park trails are also open to mountain bike riding and horseback riding. Winter activities include sledding, ice fishing, and cross country skiing. Sugarite Canyon State Park is located in northeastern New Mexico near the city of Raton.
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