Visit New Mexico National Parks and State Parks

National Parks and Monuments

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Hidden beneath the surface at Carlsbad Caverns National Park are more than 119 caves that formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. The limestone is from about 265 million years ago when it was part of a reef complex. Learn about the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite, and don't miss the hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats flying in and out of the caverns from April through October.

Distance from Albuquerque: 300 miles/about 4-hour 30-minute drive

White Sands National Park

At the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in New Mexico. White Sands National Park has hundreds of square miles of wave-like duns of gypsum sand. It is the world's largest gypsum dunefield, and was formed thousands of years ago. White Sands is also home to the world's largest collection of Ice-Age fossilized footprints.

Distance from Albuquerque: 225 miles/about 3-hour 30-minute drive

Petroglyph National Monument

Visit Petroglyph National Monument to view one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. There are more than 20,000 images carved into stone by Native Americans and Spanish settlers hundreds of years ago. A few of the petroglyphs date back as far as 2000 B.C. 

Distance from Albuquerque: Located on the Westside of Albuquerque

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

The massive buildings of the Ancestral Pueblo people from A.D. 850 to 1250 still stand at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Explore with guided tours, hiking and biking trails and night sky programs. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are about 4,000 prehistoric and archaeological sites at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Distance from Albuquerque: 155 miles/about 3-hour drive

Bandelier National Monument

Bandelier National Monument preserves the homes of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here from about A.D. 1150 to 1550. They carved buildings out of the volcanic tuff. By 1550, a severe drought hit and the Ancestral Pueblo people moved to pueblos along the Rio Grande. 

Distance from Albuquerque: 100 miles/about 2-hour drive

State Parks

Rio Grande Nature Center State Park

The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park is located in Albuquerque along the Rio Grande. It has some of the best bird watching, with about 250 species including roadrunners and wood ducks. Explore a trail system along the river to spot wildlife from porcupines to Sandhill cranes.

Distance from Albuquerque: Located on the Westside of Albuquerque

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Credit: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest lake and the largest state park in New Mexico. Boating is a popular activity, along with camping and swimming. There are 15 miles of trails to hike around Elephant Butte Lake.

Distance from Albuquerque: 150 miles/about 2-hour drive

Navajo Lake State Park

Credit: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Navajo Lake State Park is the second-largest lake in the state. There are multiple campgrounds, two marinas and two boat docks. Explore the San Juan River as well, where there is world-class fly-fishing.

Distance from Albuquerque: 200 miles/about 3-hour drive

Bluewater Lake State Park

Credit: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Take in the view of the Zuni Mountains from Bluewater Lake State Park. Piñon and juniper trees surround the lake. Enjoy hiking, birding, horseback riding and fishing, including some of the best tiger muskie fishing. Stay overnight at one of the 149 developed campsites in the area.

Distance from Albuquerque: 100 miles/about 1-hour 30-minute drive

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

Credit: New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Discover plants and animals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. There are more than 40 species of animals and hundreds of plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Living Desert also has picnic areas and hiking, including a walking trail through the park and a nature trail adjacent to the park.

Distance from Albuquerque: 280 miles/about 4-hour drive