El Vado Lake offers fishing, boating, water-skiing and winter cross-country skiing. Quiet coves around the lake are great places to catch trout and Kewanee salmon, or just get away from it all. A five and one half mile scenic trail along the Rio Chama connects El Vado with nearby Heron Lake.
A great diversity of wildlife found in the area includes deer, elk, foxes, bald eagle, red-tail hawks, water ouzels, and ospreys.
On a historical note in the early 1900s, before the lake was constructed, the town of El Vado was a noisy, bustling railroad and lumber center and the largest town in the county.
For more information about El Vado Lake please visit http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/elvado.htm
Driving Directions
El Vado Lake State Park is 17 miles southwest of Tierra Amarilla via NM 112.
PARK FEES
Day Use/Vehicle $5
Bicycle Walk-in Free
Bus $15
Overnight Camping
Primitive Site $8
Developed Site $10
Electrical Hookup $4
Sewage Hookup $4
Water Hookup Free
Annual Day-Use-Permit
Valid full year from purchase month
All Parks $40
Resident 100%
Disabled veteran Free
Annual Camping Pass
Valid full year from purchase month
NM Resident $180
Senior NM Resident (62+) $100
Disabled NM Resident $100
Out -of- State $225
Earth Day Showcase
Saturday, April 26
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Heron Lake
IMAGINE! Imagine if we all chose to behave in more earth-friendly ways. We could make a difference! The Earth Day Showcase presents ideas for making a difference. Displays, art and activities are included.
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact:
Siscily Lederman 575 588-7470
Raptors and the Rio
Saturday, June 21
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Heron Lake
A talk and Powerpoint presentation focusing on the health of the Rio Grande and the birds who depend on the riverway. Presented by Hawkwatch International
Fees: Regular Entrance Fee
Contact:
Siscily Lederman 575 588-7470
Bats
Saturday, June 28
08:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Heron Lake
Bandelier National Park Ranger Chris Judson will show slides and tell you all about these furry-winged creatures.
