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 - May 03, 2025
Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race
Race start is 10:00 AM at the corner of First and Main Streets.
Join us for the Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race in historic Cerrillos, NM. Take your pick of scenic viewing points from inside Cerrillos Hills State Park to cheer on more than 60 race teams as they follow a 3 or 6-mile course passing by our historic mine sites. As racers move through the park, the Amigos (parks friends ) hosts Art in the Park on the Visitor Center grounds 9am - 3 pm.
Park visitor center event is free. Donations to the Amigos welcome.
Race spectators or hikers in the park are subject to the regular $5 per vehicle day use fee for New Mexico residents and $10 for out of state visitors.
Contact: Park Staff 505-474-0196 with questions.
Saturday - May 03, 2025
Art In The Park
The Amigos de Cerrillos Hills State Park will host its annual Art in the Park, Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9am - 3pm, on the grounds of the State Park Visitor Center. This popular event is designed to showcase local artists' work and is a fund raiser for the Amigos.
Held in conjunction with the ever popular 10 am Pack Burro Race.
The Amigos will hold a bake sale and raffle for an heirloom quilt titled Red Wing Blackbirds during the 10th annual Art In The Park on May 3rd. The quilt is all cotton, 59"x76", hand pieced by Margaret Marti. Tickets are $5 and will be sold at the Amigos' booth at the visitor center. The drawing is at :00 pm.
Saturday - May 10, 2025
Coloring Club
1-3pm, Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center
Join the coloring fun at Cerrillos Hills State Park Visitor Center! The month of March features the cotton tail rabbit and piñon tree. Come learn about these creatures and plants as we color them together!
Open to all ages. Accompanying parent is required for participants under 18.
Wednesday - May 14, 2025
Ranger Hike
Hike starts promptly at 10am and ends around 12pm, Cerrillos Hills State Park Main Entrance.
Join park rangers for a midweek stroll through Cerrillos Hills State Park. Ask questions, enjoy nature and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Meet at the state park entrance, 1/2 mile north of Cerrillos Village on County Rd 59. Parking is $5 for New Mexico residents (NM license plate or ID required). Out of state visitors, bring $10 exact cash or check to pay the parking fee.
Wednesday - May 28, 2025
Ranger Hike
Hike starts promptly at 10am and ends around 12pm, Cerrillos Hills State Park Main Entrance.
Join park rangers for a midweek stroll through Cerrillos Hills State Park. Ask questions, enjoy nature and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area.
Meet at the state park entrance, 1/2 mile north of Cerrillos Village on County Rd 59. Parking is $5 for New Mexico residents (NM license plate or ID required). Out of state visitors, bring $10 exact cash or check to pay the parking fee.
Saturday - May 31, 2025
Field Sketching in the Park
11am - 1pm, Cerrillos Hills State Park Main Entrance.
Engage with Cerrillos Hills Park in a creative way! Learn the basics of sketching from life to keep a field journal. Seasonal Park Ranger, Brynn Metheney, will share her methods of recording nature in a sketchbook.
You will need to bring your own sketchbook and materials. Here's a list of some items to bring!
- Sketchbook of your choice. (It's recommended to keep it under 8.5x11 in overall size.)
- Pencils (HB weight recommended or you can bring a range).
- Ink pen (Micron is an example)
- Eraser.
- Sunhat and water. (A backpack is a good idea too!)
This is a monthly meetup that participants can join as they like. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Accompanying parent is required for participants under 18. Parking is $5 for New Mexico residents (NM license plate or ID required). Out of state visitors, bring $10 exact cash or check to pay the parking fee.
Wednesday - December 31, 2025
Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills
Cerrillos Amigos would like to share a video we think everyone would enjoy. In the Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills, historian Bill Baxter describes the beginnings of the area's first mines. Cerrillos Hills State Park contains a little over 5 miles of trails and is located on the southern edge of the Cerrillos mining district.
Mining History of the Cerrillos Hills - YouTube