In New Mexico, State Parks are very popular, BLM lands are vast, there are millions of acres of National Forests, and of course the famous National Parks and National Monuments. But not many people visit these smaller gems, State Wildlife Areas that are owned by the state and managed by the Game & Fish Dept.
A few photos from recent visits and explorations, with some info on each area.
Three photos from the Barker Wildlife Area. At only 5,416 acres it doesn't get much attention. It's location is a bit obscure too, 15 miles down a dead-end state highway (a dirt road with 5 stream crossings that flood after rains).
The Cimarron Canyon State Park is a long skinny piece of land along the Cimarron River. The state park is highly developed with a paved highway, fishing access, and campgrounds. But surrounding the state park are 33,000 acres of near-wilderness. Creeks, steep canyons, vast meadows, and 12,000' mountains. There are a few small hiking trails that barely penetrate the property; for the most part, you're on your own.
And here's an even more unusual tidbit, private lands with public access. Springer Lake and Stubblefield Lake are private property with fishing and recreation access negotiated through the Game & Fish Dept. Most of the surface acreage is water, but these are great places for weather watching and wildlife viewing.
A few photos from recent visits and explorations, with some info on each area.
Three photos from the Barker Wildlife Area. At only 5,416 acres it doesn't get much attention. It's location is a bit obscure too, 15 miles down a dead-end state highway (a dirt road with 5 stream crossings that flood after rains).
The Cimarron Canyon State Park is a long skinny piece of land along the Cimarron River. The state park is highly developed with a paved highway, fishing access, and campgrounds. But surrounding the state park are 33,000 acres of near-wilderness. Creeks, steep canyons, vast meadows, and 12,000' mountains. There are a few small hiking trails that barely penetrate the property; for the most part, you're on your own.
And here's an even more unusual tidbit, private lands with public access. Springer Lake and Stubblefield Lake are private property with fishing and recreation access negotiated through the Game & Fish Dept. Most of the surface acreage is water, but these are great places for weather watching and wildlife viewing.
