Now that autumn is most certainly in full swing, you’re probably looking for places to enjoy the warm, vivid hues of fall. Not sure where to start? New Mexico’s state parks are easy spots to see the fall foliage and offer areas to hike, boat, or camp under those golden leaves. Keep reading for some of our favorite suggestions!
- Cimarron Canyon State Park
Sarah Richter/Flickr Driving into New Mexico’s northern mountain region is the perfect place to start if you want to see fall foliage. Cimarron Canyon has a number of hiking trails to enjoy the views or you can opt to see them when traveling the Enchanted Circle Byway.
- Fenton Lake State Park
Kim Johns/Google In between summer and winter activities in the Jemez Mountains, watching the serene colors of fall here is a great pastime during the autumnal months.
- Hyde Memorial State Park
psyberartist/Flickr New Mexico’s first state park is undoubtedly one of its most popular and most beautiful. You’ll find numerous trails for hikes and nature walks to enjoy the shimmering aspens.
- Manzano Mountains State Park
J. N. Stuart/Flickr Located in New Mexico’s central region, this state park is a beautiful destination at any time of year, but it’s particularly charming in the fall. The leaves all around feature a splash of color, with muted crimsons and blazing oranges sprinkled between the pines.
- Navajo Lake State Park
New Mexico State Parks/Facebook One of the largest lakes in New Mexico, Navajo Lake is perhaps better known as a summer destination. However, you’ll find the cottonwood trees lining the San Juan River glowing this time of year.
- Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park/Google The Rio Grande is bursting with life, including in the midst of autumn. The wildlife habitats surrounding the trails give this park an overgrown, almost untouched ambiance, and you will love seeing how the fall foliage enhances this feeling.
- Villanueva State Park
Marvin Powell/Google Looking for a picture-perfect spot to enjoy a picnic on an autumn afternoon? Visit Villanueva State Park for the chance to enjoy a meal under the cottonwood trees or see the fall foliage reflected in the Pecos River.
These sure are some beautiful spots, don’t you think? What are some other state parks that you like to visit to see the fall colors?
Sarah Richter/Flickr
Driving into New Mexico’s northern mountain region is the perfect place to start if you want to see fall foliage. Cimarron Canyon has a number of hiking trails to enjoy the views or you can opt to see them when traveling the Enchanted Circle Byway.
Kim Johns/Google
In between summer and winter activities in the Jemez Mountains, watching the serene colors of fall here is a great pastime during the autumnal months.
psyberartist/Flickr
New Mexico’s first state park is undoubtedly one of its most popular and most beautiful. You’ll find numerous trails for hikes and nature walks to enjoy the shimmering aspens.
J. N. Stuart/Flickr
Located in New Mexico’s central region, this state park is a beautiful destination at any time of year, but it’s particularly charming in the fall. The leaves all around feature a splash of color, with muted crimsons and blazing oranges sprinkled between the pines.
New Mexico State Parks/Facebook
One of the largest lakes in New Mexico, Navajo Lake is perhaps better known as a summer destination. However, you’ll find the cottonwood trees lining the San Juan River glowing this time of year.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park/Google
The Rio Grande is bursting with life, including in the midst of autumn. The wildlife habitats surrounding the trails give this park an overgrown, almost untouched ambiance, and you will love seeing how the fall foliage enhances this feeling.
Marvin Powell/Google
Looking for a picture-perfect spot to enjoy a picnic on an autumn afternoon? Visit Villanueva State Park for the chance to enjoy a meal under the cottonwood trees or see the fall foliage reflected in the Pecos River.
You can read more about New Mexico’s state parks, things to do, and any closures on the state parks website or Facebook page.
If you want to see some other great natural areas around New Mexico, we bet you will love visiting these underrated state parks. Read more in 7 Lesser-Known State Parks In New Mexico That Will Absolutely Amaze You for some spectacular suggestions.
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Address: 28869 US-64, Eagle Nest, NM 87718, USAAddress: Navajo Dam, NM 87419, USAAddress: NM-131, Mountainair, NM, USAAddress: 740 Hyde Park Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USAAddress: 2901 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USAAddress: 455 Fenton Lake Rd, Jemez Springs, NM 87025, USAAddress: 135 Dodge Dr, Villanueva, NM 87583, USA
