Autumn Outdoor Updates

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | October 22, 2025

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator

Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,

Autumn is in full swing and we hope you've been able to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather and shifting colors amid the uncertainties of the federal shutdown. If you’re planning to get outside, consider exploring New Mexico’s state parks, which are free to visit for NM residents through April 30, 2026 .

As outdoor adventures ramp up this season, it’s also important to be prepared for changing conditions. Weather can shift quickly and it's important to plan ahead and stay aware. Visit our new resources page, nmoutside.com/resources/health-safety , before you venture out for helpful info and links to valuable resources.

In other news, Adventure Pitch Fest is just a few weeks away! Join us on Thursday, November 6 from 3–7 PM at the Albuquerque Rail Yards for a family-friendly celebration of New Mexico’s outdoor recreation community. Keep an eye out for the announcement of our eight pitch battle finalists, and don’t forget to reserve your free ticket at bit.ly/adventurepitchfest … did I mention there will likely be llamas and burros at the event? We hope to see you there!

Stay wild! Michelle Simon

Marketing Coordinator

Outdoor Recreation Division

In Other News

CDT Hikers: US citizenship, army permit now required to access southern terminus

National park visitor spending contributed $56 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024

From Honduras to NM: How Karina Armijo is reshaping the state's outdoor recreation landscape

Volunteers aren't the solution to staffing cuts

New lifts, more snow, better access: Angel Fire Resort's 2025-26 mountain updates

Get Involved

Adventure Pitch Fest

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Join us on November 6 for a c elebration of New Mexico's outdoor industry from 3-7PM at Albuquerque Rail Yards. Enjoy hands-on demos, kid-friendly activities, and cheer on businesses as they compete for $15k in cash prizes. Reserve your free tickets at bit.ly/adventurepitchfest .

Upcoming Workshops & Conferences

Oct 29: TOTAL NM's NM Outdoor Classroom Free Virtual Workshop Series , virtual

Oct 29: Visitor Surveys and Management Actions , virtual

Oct 30: American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series: A Guide to Adaptive Mountain Bike Trailbuilding , virtual

Nov 1: NM Outdoor Learning Summit , Albuquerque

Nov 5: Superior Hiking Trail Visitor Count Process and Methodology , virtual

Nov 5-7: Regenerate Conference , Santa Fe

New Mexio State Parks Photo Contest

Show off the beauty, adventure, and unforgettable fun you’ve captured at New Mexico's State Parks. Enter by October 31, 2025 and compete for your share of $1,500 in prizes!

Volunteer Opportunities

For a list of NM organizations with ongoing volunteer opportunities, visit nmoutside.com/volunteer .

Oct 25: Cedro Creek , Tijeras

Oct 25: Big River Cleanup & Coffee , Santa Fe

Nov 1: SNMTA Tortugas Connector Trail Construction , Las Cruces

Nov 1: Santa Fe Conservation Trust Restoration Workday: Erosion Control Structures , Dovetail/Galisteo Basin contact melissa@sfct.org for more information.

Nov 15: Coronado Historic Site 2 – Invasive Tree Removal , Bernalillo

Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico (ASPNM) Annual Ski Movie Nights

Join ASPNM for special screenings of "After the Snowfall" in Santa Fe on November 8 and in Albuquerque on November 15. All proceeds will benefit their adaptive programs.

Community Events

Oct 24: Southwest Expeditions Bike Tour , Las Cruces

Oct 25: San Vicente Creek Restoration Project Celebration , Silver City

Oct 25: Sky Fiesta , Las Cruces

Oct 25: Guided Bird Tour at Leasburg Dam State Park , Radium Springs

Oct 25: Annual Burque MVP Space Race Disc Golf Tournament , Albuquerque

Nov 2: Velo Cruces 10th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt , Las Cruces

Nov 6: Adventure Pitch Fest , Albuquerque

Nov 6-9: DangerBird & SafetyBird Bikepacking Events , Las Cruces

Nov 7-8: Box Canyon Climbing Competition , Socorro

Nov 8: Bows in Burque: Youth Archery & Casting , Albuquerque

Nov 9: Bosque Chapter Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing Film Festival , Albuquerque

CDT Community Survey

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) invites hikers, supporters, and community members to take the 2025 CDT Survey. Responses will guide CDTC’s efforts to complete, protect, and enhance the Continental Divide Trail, helping improve trail access, conservation, and community connections along the divide. The survey closes on November 15 and all participants will be entered for a chance to win a CDT-themed double-nest hammock from Eagles Nest Outfitters.

Race Events

For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs

For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org

Oct 25-26: Day of the Tread , Albuquerque

Oct 31: Day of the Dead: Land Of Enchantment Backyard Ultra , Las Cruces

Nov 1: Deadman Peaks Trail Run , Cuba

Nov 2: Echelon Racing Pumpkin Cyclocross Race , Albuquerque

Nov 2: Horny Toad Hustle , Las Cruces

Nov 16: Jackalope MTB & Gravel Race , Doña Ana County

Recognize Educators Excelling at Environmental Education & Students Leading Stewardship Projects

The EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is seeking applications for the President’s Environmental Youth Awards and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators . Applications for both awards are due on Monday, December 1, 2025 .

Featured State Park

With 35 state parks to discover, there’s no shortage of adventure in New Mexico! From scenic lakes and rugged mountains to historic sites and hidden gems, each park offers something unique.

Leasburg Dam State Park

Piro, Chiricahua Apache, Mansos, Mescalero Apache lands

About the Park:…