EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

FRIENDS hosts activities for children and adults at
both Eagle Nest Lake and in Cimarron Canyon. In

addition, there are ongoing activities that include:

Interpretive Programs
Trail maintenance and development
Clean-up days

All events are subject to New Mexico State Park regulations.
New Mexico State Park day use fees or a valid New Mexico
State Park pass is required.

Polar Plunge and Stomp

January 1, 2026 | New Year's Day

Registration at 12:00 noon

Stomp at 1:00 pm

Plunge at 2:00 pm

Start the New Year off with the Polar Stomp along one of the Eagle Nest Lake flat trails. The Stomp should take about an hour depending on level of snow (snow depth will determine if you need to wear snow boots or snow shoes). Stomp begins at 1:00 pm.

For those hearty souls looking to start their New Year off with a chill, take the Polar Plunge into the ice cold waters of Eagle Nest Lake (conditions permitting). Shoes are required to take the Plunge. The first 90 Plungers will receive a complimentary T-shirt to commemorate their achievement.

There is no fee to register for either event, but the Polar Event Waiver-Release must be signed to participate. For those under age 18, the Waiver-Release must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. All events are subject to New Mexico State Park regulations. New Mexico State Park day use fees or a valid New Mexico State Park pass is required.

Both activities start at the Eagle Nest Lake State Park Visitor Center, 42 Marina Way, Eagle Nest NM 87718. Phone 575-377-1594 or see information at the following links for additional details:

Check out the article from The Taos News from the 2026 Plunge.

The annual New Year's Day Polar Events are hosted by Friends of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks in conjunction with New Mexico State Parks.

Ice Fishing Tournament

Saturday, January 31, 2026 (last Saturday in January)

The Ice Fishing Tournament is on!!

REGISTRATION:
Friday, early registration from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. and

Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m.

WHERE: Eagle Nest Lake State Park Visitor Center

END OF TOURNAMENT: You must be in line with your fish to be measured by 2:00 p.m.

2026 Ice Fishing Tournament Information Flyer

2026 Ice Fishing Tournament Registration Flyer

2026 Ice Fishing Tournament Rules & Regulations

2026 Ice Fishing Tournament Event Results

For questions, contact:

Phone Eagle Nest Lake State Park: 575-377-1594

The Ice Fishing Tournament at Eagle Nest Lake State Park is hosted by FRIENDS in cooperation with NM Department of Game and Fish and NM State Parks.

Spring Clean Up Day

Cimarron River & Eagle Nest Lake

Saturday, April 25, 2026

8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

in cooperation with Enchanted Circle Trout Unlimited

Help FRIENDS with the clean-up of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks. Meet at the Eagle Nest State Park Visitor Center between 8:45 - 9:15 a.m. for clean up day assignment and to pick up your supplies, i.e. trash bags, picker-uppers and gloves.

For questions, contact FRIENDS Clean Up Chairperson, LeeAnn Tate at 505.520.5926 or leeannkunce@yahoo.com. See flyer for details.

Thank you for participating in this clean up event that keeps our fabulous Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks looking beautiful!

May 9, 2026 | Saturday before Mother's Day

Free to all children ages 3-11 at the Gravel Pit Lakes in Maverick Campground in Cimarron Canyon State Park. Registration starts at 9:30 am until 12:00 noon, fishing starts at 10:00 am. Must be in fish judging line by 1:00 pm to have fish judged. New Mexico Fishing Regulations and New Mexico State Park day use fees or a valid New Mexico State Park pass is required.. For more information call 575-377-1594 or 575-377-6271.

Contest Rules:

All entrants must be registered on a bona-fide entry form.
Children must be 3-11 years old.
Only trout taken from Gravel Pit Lakes are eligible.
Free t-shirt to entrants until supplies run out.
Entrants may be assisted in casting their line, however entrant must reel in their own fish and may only use one pole.
Must be in fish judging line by 1:00 pm to have catch judged.
1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes are given in age groups 3-7 and 8-11.
Children must be supervised by an adult.
Entrant must be present to register and claim prizes.

Bring this entry form with you to sign up for the event.

2026 Informational Flyer and Rules

The New Mexico Department of Game & Fish is a recognized sponsor for the Children's Fishing Derby providing fish in the Gravel Pit Ponds for this event.

Children's Fishing Derby

FRIENDS Support for Run for the Wall

May 15-16, 2026 | usually 3rd Friday-Saturday in May

FRIENDS will be providing support for the military veterans participating in the motorcycle Run for the Wall event. Volunteers are needed in the following areas:

Week of May 11th: Place flags on Hwy 64

May 15: Greeting Veterans at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
May 15: Preparation and serving dinner to the Veterans at 5pm
May 16: Preparation and serving breakfast to the Veterans at 6am

For more information, contact the Village of Eagle Nest at 575-377-2486.

June 6, 2026 | 1st Saturday in June (Subject to fire restrictions)

National Trails Day Hike

In observance of National Trails Day in June, Friends of Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks is coordinating a hike up Clear Creek Trail.

Details:

On Saturday June 6, 2026 (Subject to fire restrictions)

8:30 a.m. meet at Clear Creek Trailhead at Hwy 64 Mile Marker 292 in Cimarron Canyon. All NM State Park regulations apply.

Clear Creek Trail info: Moderate to moderately difficult - see pictures and more info at link below.
Distance: About 4-miles round trip passing three waterfalls. But participants don't have to hike to the end unless they want to see the 3rd waterfall.

Elevation Gain: 800 ft

From Eagle Nest, drive east on Hwy 64 to mile marker 292 in Cimarron Canyon and park near trail head. Hiking Trail follows Clear Creek and crosses several log bridges. A short section of the trail is steep and narrow. The trail ends at the third waterfall and returns along the same route.

For pictures and more information about the trail, go to The Clear Creek Trail in New Mexico website.

Annual FRIENDS Summer Membership Drive, Board Elections and Potluck

July 16, 2026 | 3rd Thursday in July

Come see what FRIENDS is all about. Share your ideas and help us plan events for 2026-2027!

5:00pm Food set up time and begin eating

6:00pm Annual meeting will begin while eating continues

Potluck meeting will take place at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Visitor Center at 42 Marina Lane in Eagle Nest.

See Annual Meeting and Potluck flyer for additional information.

FRIENDS will provide BBQ beef and sauce, rolls, and bottled water for the potluck. Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

If you would like to attend this meeting via Zoho, please send an email to friendsenccparks@gmail.com no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting.

Friends is a volunteer membership organization that supports activities to enhance visitor experience at Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks. Annual Membership Fee $40 (includes immediate family). Active Members receive a Day-Use Pass for Eagle Nest Lake and Cimarron Canyon State Parks.

Fall Clean Up Day

Cimarron River & Eagle Nest Lake

October TBD, 2026

Join friends, fellow anglers, and conservationists to help us clean up our state park waters! Additional details to come.

EVENTS AT EAGLE NEST LAKE
HOSTED BY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

Firemen's BBQ & EMT 911 Sundaes
4th of July in Eagle Nest
Fireworks over the Lake

July 4, 2026

The Firemen's BBQ, Parade and Fireworks in Eagle Nest are on schedule.

The 46th Annual Eagle Nest Volunteer Fire Department BBQ Benefit will feature BBQ beef, beans, coleslaw, rolls and the 911 Desserts by the area's best bakers. Serving time is from 11:00am to 4:00pm or until the food runs out. The 911 Sundaes proceeds benefit the Eagle Nest EMT/Ambulance Service.