Recommended Weekend Excursions In New Mexico by newsdesk Camping and Hiking Cimarron Canyon State Park : Set in New Mexico's high country, where spectacular palisade cliffs and clear running waters dominate the landscape, Cimarron Canyon State Park is part of the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area -- the largest wildlife area in the state. Crenelated granite formations make up sheer palisade cliffs that dominate the park's scenery. You can climb the rocks along the palisades with a special-use permit from the park. From the main canyon, day hikes and cross-country skiing are popular. City of Rocks State Park : Formed of volcanic ash 30 million years ago and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks, City of Rocks State Park takes its name from these incredible rock formations. Cactus gardens and hiking trails add to this unique destination. Heron Lake State Park : A picturesque lake set among tall pines, Heron Lake State Park has been designated a "quiet lake" where boats operate at no-wake speeds only. This park is known for its excellent sailing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Several scenic campgrounds line the shore of this scenic lake--primitive and full developed campsites are available for every taste. Access the hiking and fishing trail along the gorgeous Rio Chama from the dramatic caprock stairway near Heron Dam. The 5.5 mile trail which crosses the river by suspension bridge, affords panoramic views and an adventurous route to neighboring El Vado Lake. Rockhound State Park : Located on the rugged west slope of the Little Florida Mountains, Rockhound State Park is a favorite for "rockhounds" because of the abundant agates and quartz crystals found there. Hiking trails provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Scattered throughout the park are rock and mineral specimens of volcanic origin. These treasures range from varieties of silica minerals, quartz crystals, chalcedony, Agate, and common opal. The hiking trails at the park provide visitors with climbs of varying degrees of difficulty and breathtaking views. Reaching the top, visitors survey the 7,000 foot peaks of the Florida Mountains. Turquoise is mined in the Burro Mountains to the northeast. Santa Rosa Lake State Park : Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a high plains Pecos River reservoir, offers a variety of water sports. Anglers often catch bass, catfish, and walleye. Hiking trails wind through the wild areas around the lake. Hunting and Fishing Blue Water State Park : Rolling hills studded with pinon and juniper trees encircle the lake, which is stocked with trout and catfish. Bluewater Lake State Park is popular for boating and year-round fishing. Bluewater Lake and Bluewater Creek are stocked with rainbow trout, native or cutthroat trout, and catfish, with trout weighing up to 9 pounds having been caught in the lake. Numerous good fishing areas are easily reached by car. The park also is a popular spot for ice fishing in the winter months. Brantley Lake State Park : Brantley Lake State Park, a southern desert park, is a refreshing place to fish and enjoy other water sports. The visitor center includes historical exhibits about the Wild West Town of Seven Rivers. Anglers can catch a variety of warm water fish such as largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, white bass, bluegill, and crappie. Coyote Creek State Park : Coyote Creek State Park is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along a meandering stream. Enclosed by a forest of spruce and pine, the small valley displays abundant wildflowers and beautiful fall foliage. The park is ideal for fishing, family camping and leisurely nature walks. Leasburg Dam State Park : Leasburg Dam State Park offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The dam channels water from the Rio Grande for irrigation in the Mesilla Valley. Nearby Fort Selden State Monument has a museum and trails at the site of a 19th century army outpost. Storrie Lake State Park : Favorable summer breezes attract colorful wind-surfing boards to Storrie Lake State Park, which is also popular for fishing and boating. The visitor center features historical exhibits about the Santa Fe Trail and 19th century Las Vegas. The lake's serene waters are open for fishing year-round. Storrie Lake boasts consistent winds that provide excellent conditions for sailing and windsurfing. Recommended Weekend Excursions In New Mexico by newsdesk.