Outdoor guide: Manzano Mountains State Park

Courtesy of New Mexico State Parks Manzano Mountains State Park has five miles of hiking trails, bird watching, photography opportunities and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Clarence Plank

Manzano Mountains State Park

• Location: The park is 16 miles northwest of Mountainair via N.M. Highways 55 and 131. It is 194 miles or 3 hours and 41 minutes from Portales. It is 185 miles or 3 hours and 27 minutes from Clovis.

• Directions: From Portales take a left onto W. Fir St./N.M.-267 for 32 miles. Turn left onto US-60/US-84/ E. Denby Ave. for 93 miles and turn left onto US-54/US-60, then take a right onto US-285/US-54/US60/84 to US-285 N./US-60 W. for 18 miles. Turn left onto US-60 for 48 miles and turn left onto N.M.-55/S. Summit Ave. stay straight on CR-B016 for 1.06 mile. Take first right to stay on CR-B016 to 4 Community Center Rd. From Clovis take US-60/84 for 116 miles and follow directions above.

• What do they offer: Manzano Mountains State Park offers fishing, bird watching, photography and hiking. During the winter months people can go snow shoeing and cross country skiing.

• Of note: The park is open and operating as a dry campground. Dump station, restrooms, water hydrants are closed due to no water at the park. The park is not affiliated with Manzano Lake.

• Park fees: $5; Bicycle/walk-in free; Bus $15.

• Camping: $8 primitive site; $10 developed site; $4 electrical hookup; $4.

• Information: 847-2820 or www.nmparks.com