About Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and the unique oasis of pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Enjoy a short walk on the Riparian Nature Trail or a challenging hike up the Dog Canyon Trail. While at the park visitor center, take the short trail to see the ruins of Francois-Jean “Frenchy” Rochas’ 1880s-1890s stone cabin above the pools of water in Dog Canyon. Frenchy is credited with building the “miraculous staircase” at Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe. You can also take guided weekend tours of the restored historic Oliver Lee Dog Canyon ranch house and museum, and surrounding ruins of the adobe barn, slaughterhouse, and chicken house. Lee sold his ranch in 1907. After a series of several owners, the ranch lands were made a part of the White Sands National Monument in 1939. Management of the 440-acre Dog Canyon Ranch tract was transferred to the State Parks Division in 1983, three years after the establishment of the parcel at the mouth of Dog Canyon. Full ownership of the Dog Canyon Ranch parcel of the park was transferred to the state of New Mexico in 1998. Oliver Lee State Park offers a visitor center, camping, showers, group shelters, electrical hook ups, restrooms, dump stations, and trails. Park Elevation 4,400 ft Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
How to Get There
409 Dog Canyon Road Alamogordo, NM 88310 Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Heading to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
No central reservation system listed for Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16774) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Are pets allowed at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
Pets are mentioned in this park’s information. Specific rules (leash requirements, banned areas) vary by location — verify on the official site before bringing your dog.
How do I get to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
409 Dog Canyon Road Alamogordo, NM 88310 Make a reservation on the New Mexico State Parks reservation website.
How do I contact Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
You can reach the park at phone: 575-437-8284 or email: katherine.german@state.nm.us.
References & Official Resources
