Recreational Activities & Sites
Recreating Along The Trails of Northeast New Mexico
Recreational opportunities abound in Northeast New Mexico, from winter skiing, snowboarding and ice fishing to summer golfing, biking, hiking, swimming, windsurfing, waterskiing, boating — and even scuba diving! Northeast New Mexico is a hunting and fishing paradise, with miles and miles of wilderness to explore. And for every recreational taste, the terrain can vary from high alpine meadows and creeks to rolling plains and deep river canyons to lush river beds and flat-topped mesas.
Fishing
photo by Laurence Parent
Drained by the Pecos and Canadian rivers, Northeast New Mexico is notable for the number of small streams and lakes that provide excellent fishing, including some great fly-fishing. Fishing is a very popular pastime in the streams and rivers and publicly accessible lakes and reservoirs throughout Northeast New Mexico. In these waters are rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout; lake trout; largemouth, small-mouth and spotted bass; white bass and striped bass; northern pike; walleye; bluegill; perch and crappie; channel, blue and flathead catfish; carp and longnose gar.
Fishing is available at many places year-round. Only a few waters have closures or fishing hours, but it's a good idea to call each county's Chamber of Commerce to verify the fishing opportunities available.
It's also helpful to get a copy of the current year fishing proclamation, "Public Fishing Waters of New Mexico," and a current copy of the New Mexico Recreation and Heritage Guide. For copies, contact the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Public Affairs Office, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504, or call 505-827-7911.
- State Record: Northern pike, 36 pounds, caught at Springer Lake on March 7, 1978.
- State Record: Ring perch, two pounds, 5.33 ounces, caught at Maxwell Lake #13 on October 20, 1995.
- State Record: Walleye, 16 pound, nine ounce, caught at Clayton Lake on March 19, 1989.
Colfax County
Eight miles northeast of Raton is Sugarite Canyon, New Mexico's newest state park. In summer, three mountain lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. One, Lake Alice, offers exceptional flyfishing. Sugarite also has excellent ice fishing -- winter fun for the whole family.
Vermejo Park Ranch offers unsurpassed opportunities for fishermen. This private resort and working cattle ranch in a wilderness setting is dedicated to sound land use management.
Cimarron Canyon State Park provides stream fishing along the Cimarron River, beneath the dramatic granite walls of Cimarron Canyon, conveniently located on Hwy 64.
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch offers guided fly fishing trips for novices and experienced anglers. Among the finest private waters in the Southwest for brown trout. 866.376.2482, cimarroncita.com/fishing.php
courtesy of Cimarroncita Historic Ranch
Eagle Nest Lake's 2,000 acre impoundment alongside Hwy 64 is one of the state's premier kokanee and trout lakes. Fishing is good in open water or through ice for 14-inch and bigger rainbows and is excellent under ice-out conditions.
Valle Vidal, a 100,000 acre unit of the Carson National Forest, can be reached heading northeast of Cimarron about five miles on Hwy 64 and turning northwest on unpaved Cerrosa Road. Shuree Ponds are about 35 miles from this junction. The ponds are open July 1 through December 31 and are stocked with 15-inch or larger rainbow trout. One pond is reserved for anglers under 12. The daily bag is two 15-inch-or-longer fish. These are ideal float tube waters. The streams are catch-and-release and are good for cut-throat trout.
Springer Lake, with 450 surface acres, is about five miles due west of Springer. Fishing is best April through June and September through October for five-to-25 pound northern pike.
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge's Lake Number 13 has some of the best trout fishing in the area and trolling is allowed up to October. This lake has about 500 surface acres and produces rainbows from 16 to 24 inches. The refuge is located just outside Maxwell, about 23 miles south of Raton on I-25
The Charette Lakes, on a mesa southwest of Springer, are actually in Mora County, but accessible from Colfax County's Hwy 569. These lakes offer good fishing for 10-to-14-inch rainbows and perch. Both Maxwell and Charette Lakes are closed November 1 until March 1 to accommodate migrating waterfowl.
For more information about Colfax County's recreational opportunities, visit the Colfax County section of this website.
Union County
Clayton Lake, 12 miles north of Clayton on Hwy 370, was created by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department in 1955 as a fishing lake and winter waterfowl resting area. A dam was constructed across Seneca Creek. During the fishing season from March to October, the lake is a popular spot for anglers hoping to catch trout, bass, walleye, bullheads, and sunfish.
Folsom Falls is a favorite fishing hole four miles northeast of Folsom. This natural waterfall is fed by springs located on the Dry Cimarron River, which provides many fishing opportunities, including large brown trout.
For more information about Union County's recreational opportunities, visit the Union County section of this website.
Mora County
The Pecos Wilderness, Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest are all located in the western part of Mora County, offering access to remote fishing in the abundant mountain streams.
The Mora National Fish Hatchery Technology Center demonstrates the reuse of water in the production of game fish. Built with state and federal funds in 1993, it was the first of its kind in the nation and an important demonstration project for the whole country.
Morphy Lake State Park is an isolated and primitive mountain jewel that sits on the edge of the Pecos Wilderness in a pristine pine forest. The pretty lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. For a quiet fishing experience filled with solitude, take Hwy 94 south of Mora to the town of Ledoux to reach this state park.
Coyote Creek State Park, 14 miles northeast of Mora on Hwy 434, is one of New Mexico's smallest state parks but has all an outdoor enthusiast needs. Coyote Creek, a tributary of the Mora River, is a favorite destination of serious anglers.
For more information about Mora County's recreational opportunities, visit the Mora County section of this website.
Harding County
The Kiowa National Grasslands are part of a national grasslands system that also includes the Rita Blanca, McClellan Creek and Black Kettle. These four grasslands are administered for the U.S. Department of Agriculture by the Cibola National Forest and cover 263,954 acres scattered throughout New Mexico, Texas and Oklahoma. In New Mexico, the Kiowa National Grasslands are in Union County, Harding County, and on the border of Mora County.
In Harding County, the Kiowa National Grassland includes 12 miles of the Canadian River Canyon immediately west of Mills. This 800-foot deep canyonforms a wildlife island in the prairie.
Warm water fishing for bass, channel catfish, crappie and sunfish species draws many a fisherman to the lakes located within the grasslands. The Canadian River also provides some warm water stream fishing.
For more information about Harding County's recreational opportunities, visit the Harding County section of this website.
San Miguel County
Both the Santa Fe National Forest and the Pecos Wilderness start 15 miles north of Las Vegas on Hwy 65 and offer numerous opportunities for remote alpine stream fishing.
The Pecos River is well-stocked, sometimes with 14-inch rainbows especially for a 20-mile stretch north along Hwy 63 from the village of Pecos to Cowles.
Also on the banks of the Pecos River is Villanueva State Park, located 31 miles southwest of Las Vegas via I-25 and Hwy 4. Fishing is best from fall through spring, when the river is stocked with rainbow trout, German brown trout and channel catfish. When the water level is high enough, usually from early May through mid-June, the river is open to canoeing.
Storrie Lake State Park is a man-made reservoir located only six miles north of Las Vegas on Hwy 518. Fishing is popular at this water wonderland nestled in the city's backyard.
Two other favorite fishing spots near Las Vegas are McAllister Lake State Park, eight miles east of Las Vegas on Hwy 104, and the Gallinas River (Canyon) Recreation Area, 15 miles north of Las Vegas on Hwy 65.
The clear, blue-green water of Conchas Lake is 72 miles southeast of Las Vegas and just 32 miles northwest of Tucumcari, via Hwy 104, in San Miguel County. This lake is a 9,000 acre U.S. Corps of Engineers impoundment of the Conchas and Canadian Rivers. Crappie, bass, walleyed pike and catfish are stocked in the lake. Two modern marinas provide facilities for boating and fishing either from boats or on the rocky shoreline.
Cow Creek Ranch in Pecos, 505-757-2107. Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge. Horseback riding, hiking, sporting clays, archery. cowcreek-ranch.com
For more information about San Miguel County's recreational opportunities, visit the San Miguel County section of this website.
Guadalupe County
Santa Rosa is known as the "City of Natural Lakes" and is fast becoming a recreational paradise for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Santa Rosa actually has 15 separate lakes and streams and four city parks. Numerous fishing opportunities are available at almost all of the city parks and along the Pecos River.
A wide range of free recreational activities is available at Park Lake in Santa Rosa, including free fishing for kids and senior citizens at the kiddie ponds and fishing at beautiful El Rito Creek.
Janes Wallace Memorial Park and Power Dam, a beautiful spring-fed lake on the southern outskirts of Santa Rosa, provides some of the best trout, catfish and bass fishing in the area.
Picturesque Perch Lake is located on Hwy 91 near Santa Rosa. It contains a twin engine plane, submerged 55 feet deep and is used primarily for advanced scuba diving training, although fishing is allowed.
photo by Laurence Parent
Santa Rosa Lake State Park, located seven miles north of Santa Rosa, is a recreational paradise. With 1,500 acres this state park is a popular fishing spot for channel catfish, bass, crappie and prize walleye. Santa Rosa Dam and Lake was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1954. It serves for conservation of irrigation water, sedimentation control and flood control. There is no permanent pool; however, the irrigation pool will frequently be available for water recreation.
For more information about Guadalupe County's recreational opportunities, visit the Guadalupe County section of this website.
Quay County
Ute Lake State Park is 25 miles northeast of Tucumcari on Hwy 540, three miles west of Logan. This beautiful lake is known for its numerous coves and inlets — excellent fishing territory for walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and channel catfish. Ute Lake is the second largest lake in New Mexico. It was created in 1963 with construction of the 5,750-foot-long earth-filled Ute Dam, which impounds the Canadian River and is also fed by Ute Creek. Ute Lake has 8,200 surface acres and is the only major reservoir in New Mexico built entirely with state funds. It is also the largest Labyrinth Weir Spillway Facility in the world. The lake is almost 13 miles long, but it's only a skinny one mile across.
The Walleye Lakes are located near I-40 between Tucumcari and Santa Rosa. These three lakes offer excellent fishing for walleye, along with smallmouth and largemouth bass and channel catfish. Fishing for crappie is great some years.
For more information about Quay County's recreational opportunities, visit the Quay County section of this website.
Hunting
Numerous experienced outfitters in the area will take you out hunting and fishing. Here are just a few:
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch offers guided fair chase hunting for elk, deer and turkey. Lodging in hunter’s cabin with fireplace, comfortable bed, linens, and bathroom. Hearty meals warm you after a day’s hunting. 866.376.2482, cimarroncita.com/hunting.php
CS Cattle Company in Cimarron, 575-376-2827. Working cattle ranch offers guided hunting trips. Colfax County, cscattle.com
Fort Union Ranch at Fort Union Monument, 505-454-1345. Working cattle ranch offers hunting trips. Mora County
Kite Outfitters in Eagle Nest, 575-377-3464. Elk hunting. Colfax County
UU Bar Ranch in Cimarron, 575-376-2035. Elk (deer, bear, mountain lion, turkey) hunting lodge on working cattle ranch. Colfax County
V7 Ranch in Raton, 575-445-3036. Private land hunts for elk, deer, antelope, bear and turkey. Colfax County, v7ranch.com
Vermejo Park Ranch in Raton, 575-445-2059. Largest contiguous deed ranch in New Mexico. Comfortable lodging, dining. Elk, pronghorn, bison, turkey, mule deer hunts; trout fishing. Colfax County, vermejoparkranch.com
New Mexico Game & Fish, wildlife.state.nm.us
Horseback Riding
Nuthin' like seeing the country from the back of a horse. Head off on a trail ride across the vast plains or into the mountains.
J&L Livestock, Santa Rosa, 505-472-8000. Horseback rides, children's rides, overnight boarding. Guadalupe County, drafthorses.com
Roadrunner Tours, Angel Fire 575-377-6416. Breakfast and dinner rides, wagon rides, trail rides, family overnight trips & wilderness trips. Colfax County, rtours.com
Cimarron Canyons
Stables, wagon rides - 575-376-2772
Bear Creek Adventures
Pecos Wilderness - 505-757-6229
Terrero Riding Stables
Pecos Wilderness - 505-757-6193
Golf
photo courtesy Angel Fire Resort
Get in a few holes while visiting Northeast New Mexico, where golfers appreciate the low humidity and pleasantly warm days. In fact, it's often sunny 300 days a year! The greens fees are inexpensive and the only problem, some golfers say, is that it's hard to keep their eyes on the ball instead of on the stunning scenery that surrounds them. Rumors are balls travel 10 percent farther in the high altitude. Come check it out. Golfing is definitely on the upswing in Northeast New Mexico, and local golfers should receive much of the credit. Just ask the folks in Tucumcari, where the town mayor is also one of the golf pros! While some courses are open year-round, seasons vary, so it's a good idea to contact the course before going.
12 Shores at Ute Lake
7509 Eagle Drive
Tucumcari, NM 88401
1-877-224-5071
9-hole, Nicklaus Design
visit website
Angel Fire Country Club
Drawer B
Angel Fire, NM 87710
575-377-3055
18 holes, par 72, 6,600 yards.
visit website
Clayton Golf Course
P.O. Box 4
Clayton, NM 88415
575-374-9957
18 holes, par 72, 6,324 yards
Conchas Dam Park Golf Course
Conchas Dam State Park
P.O. Box 905
Conchas Dam, NM 88416
575-868-2270
9 holes, par 36
New Mexico Highlands University Golf Course
East Mills Avenue
Las Vegas, NM 87701
575-425-7711
9 holes, par 36
Pendaries Village Golf and Country Club
P.O. Box 820
Rociada, NM 87742
18 holes, par 71, 6,101 yards
505-425-3561
visit website
Raton Country Club Municipal Golf Course
83 Gardner Road
P.O. Box 83
Raton, NM 87740
575-445-8113
9 holes, par 35
courtesy of Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce
Santa Rosa Golf Course
121 North Fourth Street
Santa Rosa, NM 88435
505-472-9987
9 holes, par 36
Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course
4465C Route 66
P.O. Box 1188
Tucumcari, NM 88401
505-461-1849
9 holes, par 36
Parks & Forests
Carson National Forest and Santa Fe National Forest frame the western part of Northeast New Mexico. The rolling Great Plains of the eastern side is drained by the Pecos and Canadian rivers. Northeast New Mexico is notable for camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, boating and other outdoor recreation.
Visit the New Mexico State Parks Division website
Cimarron Canyon State Park
Colfax County
PO Box 185
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575-377-6271
Set in Northeast New Mexico's high country where spectacular palisade
cliffs and clear running waters dominate the landscape, the park is part of
a large state wildlife area.
Clayton Lake State Park
Union County
141 Clayton Lake Road
Clayton, NM 88415
575-374-8808
Set among rolling grasslands, the park offers excellent trout, catfish and
bass fishing. A short trail overlooks a rare 100-million year-old dinosaur
trackway, containing 500 footprints.
Conchas Lake State Park
San Miguel County
P.O. Box 976
Conchas Dam, NM 88416
575-868-2270
Water sports activities abound, including boating, fishing and water skiing
at this refreshing 25-mile-long reservoir.
Coyote Creek State Park
Mora County
P.O. Box 477
Guadalapita, NM 87722
575-387-2328
This secluded park is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along a
meandering stream where visitors can fish for rainbow and brown trout, or
simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park
42 Marina Lane
Eagle Nest, NM 87718
575-377-1594
Morphy Lake State Park
Mora County
P.O. Box 477
Guadalupita, NM 87722
505-387-2328
This undeveloped area is accessible by foot, horseback or four-wheel drive
vehicle. The small scenic lake is stocked with trout and boating is limited
to electric motors.
New Mexico State Parks
Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department
2040 South Pacheco
P.O. Box 1147
Santa Fe, NM 87504
1-888-NM-PARKS
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Guadalupe County
P.O. Box 384
Santa Rosa, NM 88433
505-472-3110
This high plains Pecos River reservoir offers a variety of water sports.
Anglers often catch bass, catfish and walleye.
Storrie Lake State Park
San Miguel County
HC 33, Box 109 #2
Las Vegas, NM 87701
505-425-7278
Favorable summer breezes attract colorful windsurfing boats to this park,
which is also popular for fishing and boating.
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Colfax County
HCR 63, Box 386
Raton, NM 87740
575-445-5607
This unique park, located on the border with Colorado, features heavily
wooded mountains and meadows painted with wildflowers.
Ute Lake State Park
Quay County
Box 52
Logan, NM 88426
505-487-2284
Some of the best walleye fishing in New Mexico is found at this Canadian
River reservoir, where anglers also try their luck for bass, crappie and
catfish.
Villanueva State Park
San Miguel County
P.O. Box 40
Villanueva, NM 87583
505-421-2957
Nestled between high red sandstone bluffs along the Pecos River near the
picturesque Spanish-colonial village of Villanueva, the park includes
hiking trails with views of old ranching ruins and fishing.
National Forests, Parks, Grasslands, Wildlife Refuges
Visit the National Forest Service website
Carson National Forest
208 Cruz Alta Road
Taos, NM 87571
505-758-6200
Santa Fe National Forest
1474 Rodeo Rd.
Santa Fe, NM
505-438-7840
Large sections of Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest are
located in the western parts of Colfax, Mora and San Miguel Counties, offering access to remote camping, hiking, trekking, wildlife viewing,
hunting and fishing in the mountains.
Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands
Union and Harding Counties
714 Main Street
Clayton, NM 88415
575-374-9652
Part of a national grasslands system administered for the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the Kiowa includes 12 miles of the Canadian River Canyon in
Harding County. Another section of the Grasslands is just east of Clayton
in Union County.
Capulin Volcano National Monument
Union County
P.O. Box 40
Capulin, NM 88414-0040
575-278-2201
Take in the panorama of mountain ranges, mesas and valleys of New Mexico,
Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Fort Union National Monument
Mora County
P.O. Box 127
Watrous, NM 87753
505-425-8025
At one time Fort Union was the largest fort west of the Mississippi.
Today Fort Union National Monument is open to the public throughout the
year, giving visitors the flavor of life in a frontier fort.
Pecos National Historical Park
P.O. Box 418
Pecos, NM 87552-0418
505-757-6032
The ruins of Pecos Pueblo and a Spanish mission are managed by Pecos
National Historical Park, which also manage a 19th century Spanish frontier
settlement, Santa Fe Trail sites and a Civil War battlefield
Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 276
Maxwell, NM 87728
575-375-2331
From king fishes to mallards to bald eagles, the Maxwell Refuge has it all.
Las Vegas Wildlife Refuge
San Miguel County
Route 1
Box 399
Las Vegas, NM 87701
505-425-3581
These 18,750 acres of grassland, crop land, marshes, canyons, ponds and
streams provide a natural paradise alive with native animals and plants.
