Cerrillos Hills State Park

Cerrillos Hills State Park comprises rolling hills with several hiking trails spanning five miles near Santa Fe. The landscape features varied rock formations and visible signs of past mining activity throughout the terrain.

In the late 1800s, miners extracted gold, silver, and turquoise from these hills, leaving behind visible remnants. The mining boom shaped settlement patterns and economic activities throughout this part of New Mexico.

The hills reflect a mining heritage that shaped how people lived and worked in this region for generations. Walking through, you can observe evidence of past extraction practices woven into the current landscape.

The trails have varying difficulty levels and cross open terrain, so bring water and sun protection. Early morning or late afternoon visits work best, especially during warmer months when shade is limited.

The park sits atop mineral deposits that draw geologists studying rock formations and geological processes. This scientific value makes it an important site for hands-on learning about regional geology.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: 2009

Website: https://emnrd.nm.gov/spd/find-a-park/cerrillos-hills-state-park

GPS coordinates: 35.46670,-106.15000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45