Villanueva State Park

Enjoy the beauty of the southwest by adding Villanueva State Park to your New Mexico vacation itinerary. This stunning park is located about 60 miles east of Santa Fe, making it a popular attraction for both local residents and international visitors. Read on to find out more about this treasured natural site.

Geography

Covering 1600 acres, Villanueva State Park is nestled between the Pecos River and a series of sandstone cliffs that lend a beautiful spectrum of color to the park's vistas. Forest, desert and waterfront terrain combine to create a diverse landscape that supports a variety of outdoor activities.

Things to do

The park offers visitors a variety of outdoor experiences, from historical education to rugged trekking. Hikers flock to Villanueva to climb up the park's collection of both gentle and challenging trails, many of which are outfitted with observation decks and picnic facilities where visitors can celebrate reaching the top. A favorite trail for families is the 2.5 mile loop that leads to the park's famed iron bridge, which overlooks the river and campgrounds tucked below. The Pecos River is stocked with several species of sport fish and provides thrilling currents for kayakers and canoeists.

Accommodations

The park includes a total of 33 campsites, 12 of which are equipped with electrical outlets. Showers and restrooms are provided, and a playground is available to occupy younger children. Several of the picnic areas replicate the adobe settlements used by earlier inhabitants, lending a sense of history to Villanueva's structures.

For some of the best in gorgeous southwest scenery, visit Villanueva State Park. Enjoy miles of hiking trails, thrilling kayaking courses and comfortable camping grounds as you absorb the region's rich history and heart-stopping landscape.