New Mexicans invited to explore state parks with free guided hikes Jan. 1

Jessica Onsurez, Carlsbad Current-Argus
·3 min read

New Mexicans were urged to start 2023 off right with a healthy choice by exploring New Mexico's outdoor wonders in free guided hikes in several state parks.

The "First Day Hikes" initiative is being held at 13 state parks on New Year's Day. Similar initiatives are scheduled in all 50 states.

The initiative is sponsored by the State Parks Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. According to a news release from EMNRD, more than 50,000 people took part in First Day Hikes in 2022 nationwide.

"Visitors will have the opportunity to explore forests, climb hills, stroll along ponds, beaches and dams, and trek across desert landscapes," a news release from EMNRD read.

"Knowledgeable guides will offer their expertise on habitats, wildlife and history of the state parks."

In Carlsbad, First Day Hikes are being offered at Brantley Lake State Park and Living Desert Zoo State Park.

David Hecker, zoo director at Living Desert said entry is free all day at the zoo and gardens.

The park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m, but Hecker said the last entry to take the 1.5 mile hike is at 3:30 p.m.

The park offers visitors a chance to explore flora and fauna native to the Chihuahuan Desert and Hecker said visitors may even catch a glance of the new male elk calf born in 2022.

Ramon Carrillo said he would be leading an about 3-mile hike from the visitor's center at Brantley Lake State Park to the campground area.

Carrillo said the hike is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., and though the terrain is flat the trail is not handicap accessible as it's rocky and sandy.

He urged anyone joining to dress for the weather and bring water. Doggy bags will be provided for anyone choosing to hike the trail with a leashed pet.

In Alamogordo at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park the moderate 1-mile hike begins at 10 a.m. said Park Manager Kate German, and will take visitors to Lawson Springs where hikers may spot Cottonwood trees and limestone pools.

German said visitors should plan to park vehicles at the visitor's center, and walk down to the trail head near site 36 where the hike begins. Staff will be on hand to help direct visitors and provide guidance during the hike.

"The trail is rocky at the end but for the most part is moderate," German said of the hike which is suitable for families and leashed pets.

German said the weather is expected to get rainy and hikers should call the park at 575-437-8284 to confirm the event is still scheduled. She also urged New Mexicans to consider taking advantage of other regular tours at the park, including the Ranch House tour which is available Fridays and Saturdays at 10 a.m.

First Day Hikes are also the only opportunity during the year for visitors to Elephant Butte Lake to walk across the 107-year-old dam.

First Day Hikes are also being offered at the following state parks:

  • Bottomless Lakes State Park

  • Cerrillos Hills State Park

  • City of Rocks State Park

  • Eagle Nest Lake State Park

  • Hyde Memorial State Park

  • Oasis State park

  • Pancho Villa State Park

  • Santa Rosa Lake State Park

  • Sumner Lake State Park

  • Ute Lake State Park

Visitors are urged to visit www.emnrd.nm.gov/spd for more information about First Day Hikes and planning visits to state parks.

For those wishing to camp overnight at state parks, reservations are now being booked at https://www.reserveamerica.com/.

Jessica Onsurez can be reached at jonsurez@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JussGREAT.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: New Mexicans invited to explore state parks with free guided hikes Jan. 1