Mcclelland Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

After researching multiple sources, McClelland Park is a public park located in the city of Gallup, New Mexico.


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Summary

The park is a popular spot for outdoor activities and is surrounded by scenic views of the red rock formations and mesas.

One of the main reasons to visit McClelland Park is for its hiking and mountain biking trails. The park offers multiple trails ranging in difficulty and length, making it accessible to all skill levels. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and fishing at the park's small lake.

Another point of interest in the park is the Hogan, a traditional Navajo dwelling. The Hogan was constructed by Navajo craftsmen and serves as a cultural exhibit for visitors.

Interesting facts about the area include the presence of the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, which surrounds the city of Gallup. The park is also located near the Red Rock Park and Museum, which showcases the geology and history of the surrounding area.

The best time of year to visit McClelland Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are moderate and the weather is pleasant. Summer temperatures can reach over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making outdoor activities less comfortable.

Overall, McClelland Park offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy while surrounded by the natural beauty of the New Mexico landscape.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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