Ernie Park
Rate this placeNearby: El Oso Grande Park Hahn Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ernie Park is a popular destination located in the state of New Mexico.
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Summary
The park is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions in Ernie Park is the Gila Wilderness Area, which is the largest designated wilderness area in the state. The area boasts beautiful scenery and offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Another popular attraction in Ernie Park is the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The monument features ancient cliff dwellings that were built by the Mogollon people over 700 years ago. Visitors can explore the dwellings and learn about the history of the area.
In addition, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions. Visitors can go on guided wildlife tours to see these animals up close.
The best time of year to visit Ernie Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak tourist season.
Overall, Ernie Park is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, it is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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