Coyote Creek State Park is located in the Guadalupita Canyon in northern New Mexico. Primary recreational activities available in the approximately 465 acre park include camping, fishing and hiking. Coyote Creek runs north to south through the park and is considered critical habitat for the New Mexico jumping meadow mouse. The mouse is endangered due to habitat loss resulting from agriculture and grazing. For this reason, additional improvements within 200’ of the creek are limited and mostly confined to areas that have already been disturbed. The park is planning on reducing the area that is mowed in order to increase habitat for the mouse.

The recommended improvements provide general guidance as well as specific details related to recreational activities, camping accommodations, facilities and infrastructure at the park. Proposed improvements, additions and updates include burying electrical service, water and sanitary sewer enhancements, the expansion of the hiking trails, a new equestrian trail, a new group shelter, and the expansion and reconfiguration of camping options.

The goals of this plan include:

• Improvement of the recreational space
• Promotion of resource conservation and preservation of sensitive areas
• Educational interpretation of the natural and cultural history of the area
• Improve the variety of recreational amenities
• Minimize utility allocation to meet demand
• Improve camping by improving access, providing low-impact camping opportunities (including hike-in camping) and assess potential for cabins
• Increase hiking opportunities
• Analyze existing playground and consider alternate uses of the space
• Assess the existing group shelter
• Assess potential for burying overhead electrical lines
• Assess adequacy of existing vault toilets to meet demand
• Increase safety and security including fencing around the maintenance area and providing a park boundary fence
• Coordinate with water/waste-water consultant