What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
West Lakeshore Trail
Short, easy, and spectacular are the best words to describe this unimproved trail. Located in Elephant Butte Lake State Park, the trail is 6 feet wide with a gravel surface. On bike or foot, its wildlife viewing and panoramic views of the lake attract locals and visitors alike. Flash floods are possible, so check the weather forecast frequently.
Length: 10.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park Trail System
Hike around the Rio Grande, mitigation wetland, and constructed wetlands ponds. Use the state park's self-guided trail booklet to maximize your enjoyment. This trail system features both Interpretive Trails and Accessible Trails. No off-road vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the trails.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Beginner
Fishing and Boating
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Deming are a convenient place to stay when you visit New Mexico's beautiful waters. Go sailing, water skiing, kayaking at Caballo Lake State Park in a personal watercraft or motorized boat. Also close by is Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Kayaks, jet skis, and sailboats are all welcome at Elephant Butte, which is New Mexico's biggest state park.
Climbing
The Florida Mountains are about 10 miles southeast of the town of Deming. Rising out of the flatlands is a 12-mile stretch of mountain ranges. Florida Peak, the highpoint, lies in the north near Rockland State Park. Its elevation is 7,448 feet. Other peaks include Gym, Baldy, South Peak, and Capital Dome. Little Florida Mountains, a 3-mile-long mountain range, surrounds Rockland State Park. No permits are necessary to climb the Florida Mountains.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is a massive attraction to the New Mexico state parks. There is so much more than birds in the sky. Over 300 species of butterflies call New Mexico home. Mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians are easy to see on the nature trails throughout the state parks.
You can spot the western bluebird at Rockhound State Park in spring and fall. The great-horned owl is often spotted at City of Rocks State Park. For a real treat, add the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park to your itinerary. Located off I-10W, the state park is an Audubon-designated Important Birding Area.
Picnicking
The closest picnicking site near Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area is at Voiers "Pit" Park in Deming. Located only 20 miles away, Voiers "Pit" Park is an almost 90-minute drive via Gap Rd SE. It's a good spot to use the picnic tables and stretch your legs. The city-owned park features a mile-long exercise trail.
Sledding
Brilliant white dunes beg for the young and young-at-heart to grab a snow saucer and sled down the slopes. At White Sands National Park, sledding in the sun is a reality. In fact, sledding the gypsum sand dunes is one of the more popular activities at this desert oasis. Bring your own sled, or purchase a snow saucer at the park's gift shop.
