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Submission
Located just 8 miles northeast of Santa Fe, in New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Hyde Memorial State Park is mountain getaway surrounded by pine forests and high peaks. The park sits alongside Little Tesuque Creek, at an elevation of 8,500 feet. This makes the area a little cooler than the city in the valley below, despite their proximity. The big summer draw to the area is access to the Pecos Wilderness and the many miles of hiking trails that roam deep into the mountainous backcountry, as well as plentiful bird and wildlife watching. In winter, though the campground is closed, visitors flock to the park’s snowy trails for sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or head a few more miles up the road to the slopes at the Ski Santa Fe resort.
The campground at Hyde Memorial State Park offers 57 drive-in campsites for tent and RV campers. A few sites provide electrical hookups, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 50 feet. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Water faucets and vault toilets are located throughout the park, and flush toilets are available at the visitor center; a dump station is located near the park entrance. The park also has three yurts to rent. Park visitors also have access to several picnic areas, a playground, volleyball court, and more than 4 miles of local hiking trails. Park naturalists also offer seasonal interpretive programs. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Most campsites are first-come, first-serve; rates are $10–$14/night
I did the East Circle trail that connects to the Piggyback trail. It's about a 1 mile trail with nice scenery. There's some construction right after you start the Piggyback trail so it's confusing which way it goes. I ended up taking the campground road and made it to the visitor's center. The campgrounds are well kept and clean. There's a volleyball area as well as a playground. Several bathrooms available on the Piggyback trail. There's also several tables and seating available to eat a snack. The trail wasn't busy so my dogs loved it! I visited in early October, the color in the trees haven't changed.
New Mexico has some of the cleanest parks I have seen in a lone time. We hiked a short trail to see a cascading waterfall. It was a easy hike and a wonderful time. The state parks cost 5.00 a day make sure you use the self pay station. We saw some people get tickets for not paying.
A nice little state park tucked away in the mountains. Windy road to get there but worth the drive if you want a quiet get away Reserve sites of all types available or some first come first serve sites as well. Crisp air in the fall makes for some great gifts. Be sure to bring water or something to fill up at this potable water locations. Most of all ... have fun!
Nice trails, and the camping spots look great-well maintained and with sturdy looking shelters for the picnic tables. As a first time visitor coming for just a day it was hard to figure out where to park (visitor center and lodge seem closed for renovations currently) but eventually we found a spot on the side of the road and a trail. Waterfall looks like it would be lovely after some more rain!
