Fred Baca Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Fred Baca Park is located in Socorro, New Mexico and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
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Summary
The park offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. One of the most popular attractions in the park is the historic San Miguel Mission, which was built in the 1600s and is one of the oldest churches in the United States.
In addition to the San Miguel Mission, visitors to Fred Baca Park can also explore the nearby Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds, deer, and coyotes. Other points of interest in the area include the nearby ruins of the Puebloan village of Gran Quivira, and the ghost town of Kelly, which was once a thriving mining community.
The best time of year to visit Fred Baca Park depends on your interests and preferences. The park is open year-round, but summers can be hot and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy. Spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and comfortable, and there are often special events and festivals taking place in the area.
Overall, Fred Baca Park is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, Fred Baca Park has something for everyone.
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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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