The Best State Park in New Mexico?

As we continue our exploration of the Land of Enchantment, our recent RV stay at Villanueva State Park officially stole the crown. If you ask us, this is hands-down the best state park in New Mexico.

Tucked away in a beautiful sandstone canyon, this park feels like a hidden oasis. The standout feature for us was the campsite itself. Our RV spot was absolutely huge, giving us plenty of elbow room, and it sat right on the banks of the Pecos River. There is nothing quite like opening your morning coffee to the sound of the river rushing just steps from your door.

But the incredible site is only half the story—the park also boasts some magnificent hiking trails. We loved lacing up our boots and heading right up into the dramatic, rocky bluffs. The trails wind past ancient juniper trees, historic ruins, and unique rock formations, eventually rewarding you with breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire canyon and the river winding below.

Whether you’re tackling the ridges for those stunning vistas or just sitting under the awning watching the water roll by, Villanueva is a spectacular slice of New Mexico peace. If you haven’t taken your rig here yet, put it at the very top of your list!

First Maltby Descendant’s Journey to Historic Maltby Lake

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HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT: First Maltby Descendant Conquers Maltby Lake

In the early 1940s, the owner of Maltby’s Resort at Upper Twin Lakes in Mono County, California, ventured high into the Sierra mountains. Hal Maltby, on a scouting trip for deer to benefit his lodge’s customers, stumbled upon a hidden gem: a pristine lake sitting above 9,000 feet that wasn’t marked on any Forest Service map.

Fast forward 81 years, Hal’s great-grandson, Carson, undertook the same challenging trek to locate this family legacy, now known as Maltby Lake. This journey not only retraced Hal’s footsteps but also forged a new chapter in their family’s history.

Watch the video, edited and narrated by me, to delve deeper into Hal’s discovery and Carson’s epic, albeit arduous, journey to Maltby Lake.