Courtesy photo: Elephant Butte Lake State Park, near Truth or Consequences, is a great place to explore on a boat or paddleboard, thanks to warmer weather conditions lasting later into the year.
Cooler temperatures provide perfect conditions for outdoor fun
By Darren Vaughan
As the weather cools and leaves start to turn, families across New Mexico are heading outside to enjoy the season’s best offerings. From spotting elk in golden meadows to reeling in a rainbow trout or splashing in a quiet lake, fall is a perfect time for you and your kids to make memories outdoors. And with mild temperatures, colorful scenery, and fewer crowds than summer, it’s one of the best times of year to explore together.
Whether your little ones are in strollers or walking on their own, New Mexico has dozens of fun family-friendly spots to enjoy fall recreation—from wildlife watching to hiking, fishing, boating and off-road exploring.
Kids love the chance to see their favorite wildlife up close. Across New Mexico, wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state parks make it easy for families to view birds, elk, deer and even wild turkeys. A great starting point is Colin Neblett WMA, near Eagle Nest. Families can stroll along trails and maybe catch a glimpse of elk grazing in the meadows or wild turkeys darting through the grass. In central New Mexico, Bernardo WMA is famous for hosting thousands of sandhill cranes and geese that migrate through in late October and November—bring binoculars and a blanket for a picnic by the viewing decks. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro is another popular stop for families during the fall bird migration. For more bird fun, head south to Red Rock WMA near Lordsburg or Mimbres Tract near Silver City, where kids can see quail, hawks and songbirds flying between trees. Tip: Visit in the morning or evening for the best chances of seeing animals, and pack snacks, water, and layers to keep everyone comfortable.
Courtesy photo: Bugling elk are among the many great wildlife viewing opportunities available across New Mexico. These elk can be found in high mountain areas such as the Colin Neblett Wildlife Management Area in Colfax County.
Fishing is a great way to introduce kids to nature and enjoy some peaceful time by the water. In fall, many of our lakes and rivers are stocked with rainbow, Rio Grande cutthroat, and Gila trout, and cooler temperatures make for a relaxing day outside.
The Red River in northern New Mexico is another favorite for families who want to try fly fishing or simply dip a line in the water. Even young kids can enjoy watching the fish swim and helping net them with supervision. Don’t forget, anyone age 12 and older must have a fishing license. Junior fishing licenses are available for kids ages 12 to 17 and cost just $5. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish also offers a Free Fishing Weekend, and this year it’s September 27–28. Everyone can fish for free, regardless of age, in honor of National Hunting and Fishing Day. You can also check out the department’s website (wildlife.dgf.nm.gov) for other upcoming events. Sign up for our weekly fishing report to see the state’s hot spots. You can also visit the fishing planner on the Game and Fish Website to find accommodations such as ADA accessibility, restroom facilities, boat ramps, and more. Lastly, don’t forget to send your fishing pictures to Game and Fish via iFish. You just might see your picture in the Weekly Wall of Fame or on our social media pages.
New Mexico’s hiking trails come alive in fall with colorful leaves, crisp air and views the whole family will enjoy. Best of all, there are trails suited for all ages and energy levels.
In Santa Fe, the Aspen Vista Trail is a wide path with gentle slopes where burly-tired strollers are welcome and fall leaves glow gold all around. In northern New Mexico, Wild Rivers Recreation Area offers short hikes to overlooks and the Big Arsenic Trail, which has fascinating petroglyphs and river views. For more adventurous families, the Catwalk Trail near Glenwood takes you along metal walkways suspended above a canyon—kids love the bridges, and parents will appreciate the sturdy handrails and short distance (about one mile round trip). Closer to Albuquerque, the Rio Grande Nature Center offers flat walking paths, bird blinds and shady cottonwood forests that are perfect for toddlers and early walkers.Tip: Fall mornings can be chilly, so dress in layers and bring plenty of water, even on cool days.
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean water fun has to end. Fall is a great time for calm paddling and shoreline exploring at several family-friendly lakes across the state.
Eagle Nest is a scenic and quiet spot for kayaking and canoeing, and boat rentals are available nearby. Kids will enjoy spotting ducks, tossing pebbles into the water or just relaxing by the lakeshore with snacks and warm cocoa. If you’re not looking to bundle up quite yet, Elephant Butte Lake State Park stays warmer into the fall and is a popular place for boating, paddleboarding, and picnicking. Many coves have shallow water and sandy beaches where young children can play safely under adult supervision. If you’re near Taos or Questa, check out the Wild Rivers Recreation Area, where older kids (and brave parents) can try rafting or kayaking on mild stretches of the Rio Grande in early fall—before the water gets too low.
Courtesy photo: New Mexico has some great places to safely and legally drive off-highway vehicles, allowing outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to reach some of the Land of Enchantment’s most remote landscapes.
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) offer a fun way for families with older kids or teens to explore New Mexico’s backroads and mountain views. Cooler fall weather is perfect for an afternoon ride, and many areas have easy-to-navigate trails suitable for beginners.
Carson National Forest has more than 1,000 miles of forest roads, some of which are open to OHVs. Near the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, families can combine scenic drives with short off-road detours for photos, hikes or picnic stops. State Road 378 in the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is a paved scenic route that connects to dirt roads where families with ATVs or side-by-sides can explore at a relaxed pace. Don’t forget helmets, safety gear, and permits (check local requirements before heading out). More information about rules and regulations regarding OHV use in New Mexico can be found at ridenm.dgf.nm.gov/.
Fall in New Mexico is about more than pretty colors—it’s about slowing down, stepping outside, and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature with your family. Whether you’re catching your first fish, hiking under golden aspens, or seeing a sandhill crane for the first time, these shared experiences build bonds that last long after the leaves drop. So pack up the car, bring the kids and hit the road. New Mexico’s great outdoors is waiting—colorful, calm and perfect for young explorers.
Courtesy Photo: Fishing across New Mexico heats up in the fall
Darren Vaughan is the communications director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the state government agency responsible for conserving New Mexico’s wildlife for future generations. Visit wildlife.dgf.nm.gov for more information on the department’s programs, rules and regulations, educational programs, and upcoming events. The department can also be found on Facebook (@NMDGF), Instagram (@NMGameandFish) and YouTube (@NMGameandFish).
