Oliver Lee State Park

If your doggo is itching for some time in Mother Nature, grab the leash and head over to Oliver Lee State Park.  Tucked away beneath the Sacramento Mountains, this puptacular park is the perfect spot for an adventure. Your pal will instantly fall in love with the beauties of the Chihuahuan Desert.  

When it comes to hiking, Oliver Lee State Park has a couple pawsome options. For something mild, follow the Riparian Nature Trail.  This half mile loop begins at the Visitors Center and meanders through a creek bed and past historic ruins. If you are short on time or if your pup is low on energy, this trail lets you experience the desert scape without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, the Dog Canyon Trail will push your limits. Since it is 11 miles round trip and the trail gains over 3,000 feet in elevation, plan 8-10 hours to complete the entire hike. If you do brave this trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenery of rocky ridges, funky desert plants, and wide open skies.

If your pup wants to stay the night, nab one of the park’s three dozen campsites. RV sites are available, and there are also plenty of traditional tent sites. To make your stay comfortable, the park has showers, restrooms, and picnic facilities.  After a day of exploring, your pal will love settling in at the campsite to watch a gorgeous New Mexico sunset.

While out and about in the park, be sure to keep your pup on designated trails. This place has nasty critters like scorpions that can seriously hurt your pooch. Also, this is the desert, so before setting out, make sure the sand isn’t too hot for your pup’s paws. And always carry more than enough water for you and your pooch. This is one park your pup will want to visit again and again!