Santa Fe – Today the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) State Parks Division provides the following updates in response to changes to the public health order.
Limitations on Visitors:
- Anyone coming to New Mexico from out of state must self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Beginning Monday, July 13, only New Mexico residents may enter New Mexico State Parks.
- Visitors must show either a valid New Mexico license plate, a New Mexico driver’s license or ID card, a New Mexico vehicle registration, a federal document attesting to residency, or a military ID to be admitted to a State Park.
Hours of Operation:
- 31 State Parks remain open for day-use only. Please “know before you go” and check our website for current hours.
- Overnight camping remains closed. Visitors with overnight camping reservations through July 30 will be issued a refund. Group shelters remain closed and all events are canceled.
- Many State Parks are currently operating under reduced hours and days of operation. Beginning today, State Parks will further modify days and hours of operation at Clayton Lake, Sumner Lake, Santa Rosa Lake, Leasburg Dam, Coyote Creek, Eagle Nest Lake, Cimarron Canyon, Brantley Lake, Conchas Lake, Ute Lake, and Elephant Butte Lake State Parks due to additional staff time needed to enforce the public health order. Check the webpage of the specific park you intend to visit for new hours before you go.
Additional guidance:
- Wearing a mask or cloth face covering is mandatory in public settings except when eating, drinking, or swimming or unless a healthcare provider instructs otherwise, and violators could face citations and $100 fines for not complying voluntarily.
- Keep groups to 5 people or less
- Bring hand sanitizer and additional personal protective equipment
- Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more while recreating
- Parks are open for day-use only
- Visitor centers and shower facilities remain closed
- No campfires or open fires
- Water access and trails will be open, but access may be limited to adhere to social distancing requirements
- No group shelter use or large organized events, in accordance with continued restrictions on mass gatherings
- Playgrounds closed
- To limit interactions, please use exact change when paying fees
- Limited concession operations
- Recreate responsibly and pack out all trash
- Follow all safety guidelines when boating or swimming
All current park information can be found on park webpages and on the FAQ page at www.nmparks.com.