Events
Cerrillos Hills State Park offers a full range of recreational, educational and nature-based programs held throughout the year. Activities include native grass & wildflower hikes, bird watching, landscape photography, geology, snakes, high desert animals, star gazing, lunar facts and lore with the ranger & talented guest speakers.
From cultural and historical facets, to natural history and traditional programs, you’re invited to learn, to play and to enjoy! We encourage families, friends and youth to enjoy the great outdoors.
For more information about any of the events listed below, please contact Cerrillos Hills State Park (505) 474-0196 or email [email protected].
Saturday - April 11, 2026
The Skies of our Ancestors
Program starts promptly at 7pm
Join us as we kick-off International Dark Sky Week and discover The Skies of our Ancestors at Cerrillos Hills State Park! The evening will begin with a presentation indoors featuring cultural astronomy from around the world and steps we can all take to preserve the most ancient of all natural beauties, the night sky. Stick around after the presentation for stargazing on the visitor center grounds.
Meet at the State Park Visitor Center, 37 Main St, in the village of Los Cerrillos. Parking at the Visitor Center is free.
Tuesday - April 14, 2026
Ranger Hike
Hike starts promptly at 9am, Cerrillos Hills State Park Main Entrance.
Join Park Rangers for a midweek trek through Cerrillos Hills State Park. Ask questions, enjoy nature, and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. This hike typically lasts about 1.5 hours and the route and subject matter will vary.
Meet at the state park entrance, 44 Camino Turquesa, 1/2 mile north of Cerrillos Village on County Rd 59. Parking is free for New Mexico residents (NM license plate or ID required, October - April). Out of state visitors, bring $10 exact cash or check to pay the parking fee.
Saturday - April 18, 2026
Earth Day at the Park
Community Cleanup - 9am
Building a Backyard Ecosystem Presentation - 11am
Come celebrate earth day at Cerrillos Hills State Park! Get your hands dirty with the Amigos and pitch in to rake, weed, and tidy up the park Visitor Center. Bring work gloves, a sunhat, water and garden tools. Afterwards, join us for a presentation on Building a Backyard Ecosystem: Gardening for Beneficial Insects by Amigo, Kim Davis. Learn the basics of how to set up your yard and garden in a way that benefits you and the native species of New Mexico!
Meet at the State Park Visitor Center, 37 Main St, in the village of Los Cerrillos. Parking at the Visitor Center is free.
Saturday - May 02, 2026
Amigos’ Art in the Park and annual Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race
Join us in the village of Cerrillos for a fun day featuring local artists with work for sale, live music and bake sale. Enjoy a presentation by the New Mexico Wildlife Center. Held along with the annual Pack Burro Race. Support our annual fundraiser for the Park. The artists are set up on the grounds of the State Park visitor center from 9am-3pm.
The Pack Burro Race with 60 teams will start at 10am on First Street. Racers and their burros run a 3 or 6 mile course in the state park. This is a timed event with an awards ceremony afterwards.
For more information on the pack burro race - https://www.nmpackburros.com/
Tuesday - January 01, 2030
Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills
Cerrillos Amigos would like to share a video we think everyone would enjoy. In Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills, historian Bill Baxter describes the beginnings of the area's first mines. Cerrillos Hills State Park contains 5+ miles of trails and is located on the southern edge of the Cerrillos mining district.
Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills - YouTube