Heron Lake State Park

In northwest New Mexico near the Colorado border is the fascinating little town called Chama. Plenty of antique shops, restaurants and a cool mountain train make this a popular destination.

About 15 miles away you will find Heron Lake State Park. At a tad over 7000 of elevation, this large no wake lake is extremely popular for fishing, sailing, and camping.

The campground contains 250 developed sites with about 50 having power hookups. But I am getting ahead of myself. The first stop upon entering this large park is the Visitor Center.

This visitor center was amazing as usual but contained a hidden gem.

Josephine.

She is an amazing crafts person and her daily classes are a big hit with kids of all ages.

Handmade paper and her secret recipes result in beautiful works of art. She gave me a few so I took photos of them. The birds below belong on a window like the artworks above.

Simply beautiful.

Exploring the park north to south, the first camping area is the Willow Creek and Blanco campgrounds.

There are over 70 sites in these two loops, which contain the hookup sites. Many can be reserved. A modern restroom with hot showers is available.

The sites are large with good separation.

We stayed in site 54.

Between the two loops is the Group Shelter. This is a great one. Freddy approved.

There is an area to the left that contains power hookups.

Looking back towards the gate.

Continuing towards the dam is Brushy Point Campground.

When the lake is full these are prime sites.

Next up are the Island View and Salmon Run loops.

Another modern restroom.

And nice large sites.

Next to the dam is the Ridge Rock Recreation Area. There are a couple of semi developed sites.

But mostly folks will dry camp down by the lake.

The boat ramp can handle most water levels.

Across from the dam is deep gorge and a trail leading to El Vado Lake.

There are several other trails here, a short nature trail and one that connects all the campground areas.

Freddy thought the cloud above him looked liked a clown. A smiling clown. Freddy has issues with clowns. Especially smiling ones.

High water or low, the lake looks beautiful.

It was on one of these walks that Freddy and I ran across an interesting gal from Wyoming. She called herself Sally K and claimed to be a gold miner. She had her dog with her, at least I think it was a dog. Freddy had other ideas.

"Abert's Squirrel" he said.

"What?"

"Abert's Squirrel. Like the ones we saw at Manzano Mountains State Park."

I pondered this. He could be right. I asked Sally K if she had any pics of her, umm, dog, and if she could send me one as my camera batteries were recharging.

"No problem" she said, taking out a gold nugget encrusted phone and sending me a pic.

So you decide. Here is a photo of her, umm, dog.

And here is an Abert's Squirrel.

The coloring is a little different but I think Freddy is right.

Regards,

Greg and Freddy