Cerrillos Hills State Park is New Mexico's newest park. Cerrillos Hills were
originally known by the Spanish as the Sierra de San Mateo. Cerrillos Hills,
New Mexico's 35th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park located off the
Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM Highway 14) between Santa Fe and
Albuquerque. You will cross paths with over 1,100 years of mining history
along the five miles of trails and enjoy spectacular views of the Sandia,
Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.  
  
Most of the trails at the park, such as the Cortez Mine and Jane Calvin
Sanchez Trails, allow visitors to see many of the late 1800s to early 1900s
mines and prospect pits. Historic mine shafts are safeguarded and signed with
interpretive information. A newly installed interpretative museum can be found
at the visitor center in the historic village of Cerrillos.  
  
Cerrillos Hills State Park is open year round from sunrise to sunset for
hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking.  
  
The park has five miles of trails which offer scenic views of the Galisteo
Basin and surrounding areas. Elevations range from 5,800-6,100 feet.  
Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.

Cerrillos Hills State Park is New Mexico's newest park. Cerrillos Hills were originally known by the Spanish as the Sierra de San Mateo.  Cerrillos Hills, New Mexico's 35th State Park, is a year-round, day-use park located off the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway (NM Highway 14) between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. You will cross paths with over 1,100 years of mining history along the five miles of trails and enjoy spectacular views of the Sandia, Ortiz, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges.<br><br>

Most of the trails at the park, such as the Cortez Mine and Jane Calvin Sanchez Trails, allow visitors to see many of the late 1800s to early 1900s mines and prospect pits.  Historic mine shafts are safeguarded and signed with interpretive information.  A newly installed interpretative museum can be found at the visitor center in the historic village of Cerrillos.<br><br>

Cerrillos Hills State Park is open year round from sunrise to sunset for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking.<br><br>

The park has five miles of trails which offer scenic views of the Galisteo Basin and surrounding areas.  Elevations range from 5,800-6,100 feet.<br>
<a href="http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/cerrilloshillsstatepark.html" rel="nofollow">Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website</a>.

Cerrillos Hills State Park

To get to Galisteo Dam, it is necessary to drive through lands belonging to
Santo Domingo Pueblo Indian Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo
regulations. Do not trespass on lands closed to the public. Galisteo Dam,
administered by the Cochiti Lake Project Office, is a dry reservoir, except
for limited storage during runoffs. From Santa Fe, 23 mi S on I-25, to exit
264, 5 mi E on project access road.

To get to Galisteo Dam, it is necessary to drive through lands belonging to Santo Domingo Pueblo Indian Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo regulations. Do not trespass on lands closed to the public. Galisteo Dam, administered by the Cochiti Lake Project Office, is a dry reservoir, except for limited storage during runoffs. From Santa Fe, 23 mi S on I-25, to exit 264, 5 mi E on project access road.

Galisteo Dam

Hundreds of petroglyphs, dating from pre-contact time and the Spanish colonial
era, can be found along this mesa above the Santa Fe River. Most of the
petroglyphs were placed there by Keresan-speaking puebloan people living in
the area between the 13th and 17th centuries. The descendants of these people
now live down the Santa Fe River along the Rio Grande at the Cochiti and Santo
Domingo Pueblos.

The area is known for the great number of hump-backed flute player images and
a great variety of bird figures. The site is also of interest to those tracing
the route of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, as the ancient road passed
along here as well.

This short trail provides its hikers a glimpse into the past as well as
gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The petroglyphs trail is a 1 mile loop
that start at the parking lot as a dirt path and then leads into the rocks
that need to be climbed through or over. Little wooden posts with white arrows
helps direct the way to the start of the rock path. It is easier to go up the
right side of the trail and down the left side of the loop.

<p>Hundreds of petroglyphs, dating from pre-contact time and the Spanish colonial era, can be found along this mesa above the Santa Fe River. Most of the petroglyphs were placed there by Keresan-speaking puebloan people living in the area between the 13th and 17th centuries. The descendants of these people now live down the Santa Fe River along the Rio Grande at the Cochiti and Santo Domingo Pueblos.  </p><p>The area is known for the great number of hump-backed flute player images and a great variety of bird figures. The site is also of interest to those tracing the route of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, as the ancient road passed along here as well.  </p><p>This short trail provides its hikers a glimpse into the past as well as gorgeous views of the surrounding area. The petroglyphs trail is a 1 mile loop that start at the parking lot as a dirt path and then leads into the rocks that need to be climbed through or over. Little wooden posts with white arrows helps direct the way to the start of the rock path. It is easier to go up the right side of the trail and down the left side of the loop.  </p>

Petroglyphs depicting birds, snakes and other animals are carved into the rocks at the La Cieneguilla Petroglyph site.

La Cieneguilla Petroglyphs

La Cienequilla Petroglyphs

Cochiti Lake is located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian
Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo regulations. Do not trespass
on lands closed to the public. Cochiti Lake is on the Rio Grande, about half
way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest
earthfill dams in the US. It is one of the four units for flood and sediment
control on the Rio Grande, operating in conjunction with Galisteo, Jemez
Canyon, and Abiquiu Dams.

Cochiti Lake is located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo regulations. Do not trespass on lands closed to the public. Cochiti Lake is on the Rio Grande, about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earthfill dams in the US. It is one of the four units for flood and sediment control on the Rio Grande, operating in conjunction with Galisteo, Jemez Canyon, and Abiquiu Dams.

## Overview

Cochiti Recreation Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the
boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. The lake offers two
public recreation areas: Cochiti on the west side of the lake and Tetilla Peak
on the east side. Both sides offer spectacular scenic views of the water and
surrounding mountains. The Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth-fill
dams in the United States, and also one of the largest in the world. The lake
derives its name from the Indian Pueblo on the Cochiti Reservation.

## Recreation

Our quiet lake is an ideal location for all paddle, wind surfing, and sailing
craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass,
crappie, walleye, pike, catfish, sunfish and trout. Cochiti Recreation Area
has a popular, family friendly, swim beach Day Use area for public enjoyment.
It is a fee area, $5 per vehicle, but the cost is covered by the campsite fee
for visitors staying in the campground. Additionally, the Cochiti picnic area
has 21 covered picnic sites with a large group site that can be reserved by
calling the main office. Cochiti Day Use Areas are open from April 15th to
October 15th.

## Facilities

The campground consists of four loops. Juniper Loop campsites have electric
hookups and some have water. Elk Run and Ringtail Loops are non-electric and
have community water spigots. All sites in Buffalo Grove Loop have water and
electric hookups. The Cochiti boat ramp is open year-round and is accessible
by a paved road. The ramp has four concrete lanes for loading and unloading.

## Natural Features

Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestled in the foothills of
the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper,
pinon trees, and mixed grasslands. There are many opportunities for wildlife
viewing. Four osprey nesting platforms have been erected around the lake to
provide nesting sites, as well as viewing opportunities. On the east side of
the lake, deer, coyote, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and the occasional
bear are often sighted.

## Nearby Attractions

Cochiti Lake is five miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has
fascinating geological formations.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Cochiti Recreation Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation.
  
The lake offers two public recreation areas: Cochiti on the west side of the lake and Tetilla Peak on the east side. Both sides offer spectacular scenic views of the water and surrounding mountains.
  
The Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth-fill dams in the United States, and also one of the largest in the world. The lake derives its name from the Indian Pueblo on the Cochiti Reservation.<h2>Recreation</h2>
Our quiet lake is an ideal location for all paddle, wind surfing, and sailing craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, pike, catfish, sunfish and trout. 
  
Cochiti Recreation Area has a popular, family friendly, swim beach Day Use area for public enjoyment. It is a fee area, $5 per vehicle, but the cost is covered by the campsite fee for visitors staying in the campground. Additionally, the Cochiti picnic area has 21 covered picnic sites with a large group site that can be reserved by calling the main office.

Cochiti Day Use Areas are open from April 15th to October 15th.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The campground consists of four loops. Juniper Loop campsites have electric hookups and some have water. Elk Run and Ringtail Loops are non-electric and have community water spigots. All sites in Buffalo Grove Loop have water and electric hookups.
  
The Cochiti boat ramp is open year-round and is accessible by a paved road. The ramp has four concrete lanes for loading and unloading.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestled in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper, pinon trees, and mixed grasslands.
  
There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Four osprey nesting platforms have been erected around the lake to provide nesting sites, as well as viewing opportunities. On the east side of the lake, deer, coyote, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and the occasional bear are often sighted.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Cochiti Lake is five miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.

Two children and an adult paddle an aluminum sided canoe on a lake.

Cochiti Lake 2

Visitors enjoy our Swim Beach open for Day Use only from April 15th - October 15th

Swim Beach Day Use Area

Cochiti Lake3

Cochiti Lake 4

Cochiti Lake 1

Cochiti Campground

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

Tent Rocks

Cochiti Campground is a great place to stay for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Within close distance to both Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

## Overview

Tetilla Peak Recreation Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within
the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. The lake offers
two public recreation areas: Cochiti on the west side of the lake and Tetilla
Peak on the east side. Both sides offer spectacular scenic views of the water
and surrounding mountains. The Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth-
fill dams in the United States, and also one of the largest in the world. The
lake derives its name from the Indian Pueblo on the Cochiti Reservation.

## Recreation

Our quiet no-wake lake is an ideal for all paddle and wind craft. The lake is
also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye,
catfish, sunfish, and pike.  
  
Santa Cruz Day Use area is open daily and provides visitors with acces to the
lake as well as several shade structures, bathrooms, and a fishing dock.

## Facilities

The campground consists of two loops. Cholla Loop includes 36 individual
campsites, each with an electric hookup, table and grill. All electric
campsites have shelters, and water spigots are located throughout the
campground. This loop also provides a dump station and large restroom and
shower building . A partially paved road winds through Coyote Loop, which has
10 sites, each with a table and grill. There are no electric hookups, and
water spigots are scattered throughout the loop. The restroom and shower
building is centrally located for easy access. The Tetilla boat ramp area
offers a parking area and courtesy dock.

## Natural Features

Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestled in the foothills of
the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper,
piñon trees, and mixed grasslands. There are many opportunities for wildlife
viewing.  
Four osprey nesting platforms have been erected around the lake to provide
nesting sites, as well as viewing opportunities. On the east side of the lake,
deer, coyote, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and bear are often sighted.

## Nearby Attractions

Cochiti Lake is 23 miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has
fascinating geological formations.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Tetilla Peak Recreation Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation.
  
The lake offers two public recreation areas: Cochiti on the west side of the lake and Tetilla Peak on the east side. Both sides offer spectacular scenic views of the water and surrounding mountains.
  
The Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth-fill dams in the United States, and also one of the largest in the world. The lake derives its name from the Indian Pueblo on the Cochiti Reservation.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Our quiet no-wake lake is an ideal for all paddle and wind craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, sunfish, and pike. <br>  <br>Santa Cruz Day Use area is open daily and provides visitors with acces to the lake as well as several shade structures, bathrooms, and a fishing dock.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campground consists of two loops. Cholla Loop includes 36 individual campsites, each with an electric hookup, table and grill. All electric campsites have shelters, and water spigots are located throughout the campground. This loop also provides a dump station and large restroom and shower building . A partially paved road winds through Coyote Loop, which has 10 sites, each with a table and grill. There are no electric hookups, and water spigots are scattered throughout the loop. The restroom and shower building is centrally located for easy access. The Tetilla boat ramp area offers a parking area and courtesy dock.</p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestled in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper, piñon trees, and mixed grasslands. There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing. <br>Four osprey nesting platforms have been erected around the lake to provide nesting sites, as well as viewing opportunities. On the east side of the lake, deer, coyote, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and bear are often sighted.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Cochiti Lake is 23 miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.</p>

Cerrillos Hills State Park

Directions

Stay Limit

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Galisteo Dam

La Cienequilla Petroglyphs

Cochiti Lake