Cerrillos Hills State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerrillos Hills State Park |
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Cerrillos Hills State Park
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 Cerrillos Hills State Park
Location in New Mexico
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| Location | Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States |
| Area | 1,116 acres (4.52 km2) |
| Elevation | 6,000 ft (1,800 m) |
| Established | 2009 |
| Governing body | New Mexico State Parks Division |
Cerrillos Hills State Park is a cool place to visit in New Mexico, United States. It's about 16 miles (26 km) south of Santa Fe. This park became New Mexico's newest state park in 2009. The hills inside the park are pretty high, ranging from 6,000 feet (1,829 m) to 6,900 feet (2,103 m) above sea level. You can find the visitor center in the village of Los Cerrillos. The park has many awesome hiking trails for you to explore.
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Discover Cerrillos Hills State Park
Cerrillos Hills State Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures. It offers many trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. The park is a great place to learn about New Mexico's history and nature.
You can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. It's a perfect destination for families and friends to spend time outdoors. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes!
A Look Back in Time: Park History
The Cerrillos Hills have a long and interesting history. The Spanish explorers first called these hills the Sierra de San Mateo. In 1581, they found valuable lead and silver here.
Long before the Spanish arrived, the Pueblo people used these materials. They mixed lead and silver into their pottery glazes. This made their pottery shiny and strong.
Mining in the Old West
Later, in 1879, a new area called the Cerrillos Mining District was created. This happened after Americans settled in the area. People came here hoping to find their fortune in mining.
The Cerrillos Mining District is so important that it was added to the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties in 1973. This means it's a special place that helps us remember the past.
How the Park Was Formed
The park you see today started in 2003. Santa Fe County helped create it. They worked with a group called the Cerrillos Hills Park Coalition.
At first, it was known as the Santa Fe County Cerrillos Hills Historic Park. In 2009, it officially became a state park, which is why it's New Mexico's newest one!
Images for kids
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Looking south from Cerrillos Hills State Park towards the Ortiz Mountains
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Cerrillos Hills State Park in Winter
