Celebrating the Season in New Mexico's Great Outdoors

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | December 18, 2024

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

In the Outdoor Recreation Division’s biweekly newsletter, find the latest on office and New Mexico’s outdoor recreation initiatives.

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Letter from the Director

Dear Outdoor Enthusiasts,

As the holidays light up New Mexico, from glowing farolitos to the aroma of posole in the kitchen, we’re reminded of the traditions and landscapes that make our state so special. This season is an opportunity to connect—with loved ones, our rich cultures, and the stunning outdoors that surround us.

From skiing the slopes of Northern New Mexico, snowshoeing on National Forest trails, or enjoying a crisp walk in the park with family, our state offers countless ways to celebrate the season outdoors. These moments of joy and reflection underscore the importance of protecting and nurturing our public lands and open spaces for generations to come.

This year, the Outdoor Recreation Division partnered with communities across the state to enhance access to our treasured natural spaces. It’s through these shared efforts that we preserve the places where memories are made.

As you gather with family and friends, I encourage you to embrace the outdoors—whether hiking under starry skies, exploring new trails, or honoring our rich and diverse traditions. Let’s celebrate the gift of our land and the connections it inspires.

From all of us at the Outdoor Recreation Division, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, adventure, and gratitude. May your new year be bright with opportunities to get outside and make memories in the Land of Enchantment.

Warmest regards,

Karina Armijo

Director

In Other News

Ski Lift Pitch applications open through January 1

"This two-day event was created to take the elevator pitch to a new level, literally, with nine business founders pitching to potential investors while riding the lifts at Taos Ski Valley February 3-4, 2025 ." Applications are open now through January 1, 2025 .

Read More & Apply

NM designates 250 miles as "Outstanding National Resource Waters"

"New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission approved a designation to protect more than 250 miles in five watersheds, including the Rio Grande. A coalition of state groups including anglers, local governments, acequia members and conservation groups were seeking the designation."

Learn More

Lawmakers to try again to reform New Mexico’s Game and Fish Department

"Game and Fish is an 'enterprise' agency, which means it does not receive state funding to operate. Instead, the department relies on fees gathered from hunting and angling licenses to pay the bills. But those haven’t changed in close to 20 years because they’re set in statute."

Read the Article

State Land Commissioner issues executive order banning transmission lines, mining on Caja del Rio

"The new executive order applies to just under 3,500 acres of surface and 5,500 acres of subsurface mineral rights on the plateau’s landscape nestled just outside of Santa Fe, which is held sacred by Tribal communities and is home to diverse wildlife and plants."

Read More

USDA Forest Service awards Forest Legacy grant to the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

This award will help fund a unique and exciting project in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the Flower Hill Institute, and a coalition of Tribes. Through the purchase of the Dawson Elk Valley Ranch, the partners are working on a plan for conservation and Tribal co-management.

Learn More

Get Involved

Ski Torchlight Parades

Join in the fun as some of northern New Mexico’s ski areas are illuminated with torches and fireworks during the annual Ski Torchlight Parades! Enjoy music and other festivities as each of these ski areas celebrate with their unique take on this deep-rooted ski tradition.

NM State Parks First Day Hikes

Start the new year outside with a guided hike, polar plunge, or winter stomp in a State Park near you on January 1!

Brantley Lake - Carlsbad, First Day Hike 9am

Cerrillos Hills - Cerrillos, First Day Hike 1pm

Eagle Nest Lake - Eagle Nest, Polar Plunge & Polar Stomp

12pm

Fenton Lake - Jemez Springs, First Day Hike 10am

Hyde Memorial - Santa Fe, First Day Hike 10am

Oliver Lee - Alamogordo, First Day Hike 10am

Pancho Villa - Columbus, First Day Hike 9am

Santa Rosa Lake - Santa Rose, First Day Hike 10am

Storrie Lake - Las Vegas, Polar Bear Plunge 11:30am (Free park entry)

Sugarite Canyon - Raton, Snow Stomp 11am

Valles Caldera's 10th Birthday Party

Come celebrate Valles Caldera National Preserve's 10th anniversary in the National Park Service with a day-long birthday party in the ranger station! There will be party games, cake, birthday card writing, and ranger programs all day. The day kicks off with a 9:30 am birding tour. December 19

Birding Tours Around NM

Randall Davey Audubon Society

Saturday Birding Meetup, December 21, Santa Fe

Mesilla Valley Audubon Society

Bird Walk, December 28, Leasburg Dam State Park

Valles Caldera National Preserve

Early Bird Tour, January 12, tour will be via snowshoeing or XC skiing

Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center

Guided Bird Walks, Saturdays & Sundays year-round at 8:30am, Albuquerque (registration required)

Southwestern NM Audubon Society - Christmas Bird Count & Potluck, December 21 , Silver City (email johnpgorey@gmail.com to sign up)

Trail Highlight

Turtleback Mountain Trail

Truth or Consequences, NM

Mescalero Apache, Piro, Tampachoa (Mansos) lands

About the Trail: This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail ascends the ridge of Turtleback Mountain along a steep, rocky incline and rewards hikers with a beautiful view of Caballo and Elephant Butte Lakes. You'll find unique rock formations along this well-marked trail. This is considered a…