Red Willow State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Red Willow State Park is a beautiful and diverse park located in the northeastern region of New Mexico.
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Summary
The park covers over 500 acres of land and is known for its stunning red rock formations, unique flora and fauna, and diverse recreational opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Red Willow State Park is for its beautiful hiking trails. Many of these trails take visitors through the rugged red rock formations that the park is known for, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing, and boating, as well as bird watching and wildlife viewing.
One of the most notable points of interest within the park is the Red Willow Reservoir, which provides opportunities for fishing and boating. The reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and channel catfish, making it a popular spot for anglers. The park also features a variety of bird species, including prairie falcons, golden eagles, and red-tailed hawks, making it a great destination for bird watchers.
Interesting facts about Red Willow State Park include that it was originally part of a ranch that was owned by the famous outlaw, Billy the Kid. The park was also used as a location for filming several Western movies in the mid-1900s.
The best time of year to visit Red Willow State Park is in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the scenery is beautiful. However, visitors should be prepared for hot summer temperatures and occasional afternoon thunderstorms during this time of year.
Overall, Red Willow State Park is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, birdwatching, or just taking in the stunning scenery, this park 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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