Reptiles and Amphibians Talk at Oliver Lee, Nov. 14
Published 30 October 2026
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is hosting a free family program called Reptiles and Amphibians of New Mexico on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. in the park's visitor center. It is free for New Mexico residents, and visitors from out of state pay the $10 per vehicle day-use fee. It is a great way for kids, and curious grown-ups, to learn about the snakes, lizards, toads and other critters that share our desert.
What will you learn at the Reptiles and Amphibians program?
According to the event listing on the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce community calendar, the program covers some of the reptiles and amphibians we share this land with, and how these misunderstood animals are a vital part of the local ecosystem. It is hosted by New Mexico State Parks at Oliver Lee, at the mouth of Dog Canyon, where desert meets the Sacramento Mountains.
If your kids are a little nervous about snakes, this is a friendly way to learn what to watch for on the trail and why these animals matter.
When and where is it?
| What to know | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Reptiles and Amphibians of New Mexico |
| Date | Saturday, November 14, 2026 |
| Time | 1 to 2 p.m. |
| Where | Visitor center, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 409 Dog Canyon Rd., Alamogordo |
| Cost | Free for New Mexico residents; $10 per vehicle for non-residents |
| Park phone | (575) 437-8284 |
The park is about 8 miles south of Alamogordo on US 54, then about 4 miles east on Dog Canyon Road, according to New Mexico State Parks' Oliver Lee page.
Why is it free for New Mexico residents?
New Mexico residents pay no day-use fee at state parks from October 1 through April 30, according to the New Mexico State Parks fees page. That makes this a great season for a free outing. Out-of-state visitors, including many military families who keep a home-state residency, pay the regular non-resident day-use fee.
How can you make a day of it?
Come early and make an afternoon of it. You can picnic, look around the visitor center exhibits, or hike the first stretch of the Dog Canyon Trail before the program. My Oliver Lee State Park guide has trail tips and what to bring. Bring water, sun protection and layers, since November afternoons are pleasant but it cools off fast once the sun drops behind the mountains.
If your family is into nature and science, November 14 is a big day. That evening, the New Mexico Museum of Space History and the Astronomy League host a public star party, which I wrote about in Free Star Party at the Space Museum, Nov. 14.
What does this mean for families moving here?
Free, hands-on programs like this one are one of the perks of living in Alamogordo. Kids grow up with a state park, a national park and a mountain forest all within easy reach. If you are thinking about a move, my Moving to Alamogordo guide covers what everyday life is like here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Reptiles and Amphibians program at Oliver Lee State Park?
It is on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m. It takes place in the park's visitor center.
How much does it cost to attend?
The program is free for New Mexico residents. Non-residents pay the $10 per vehicle day-use fee.
Where is Oliver Lee Memorial State Park?
The park is at 409 Dog Canyon Rd., Alamogordo. It is about 8 miles south of town on US 54 and 4 miles east on Dog Canyon Road.
Is the program good for kids?
Yes, it is a family-friendly program about local reptiles and amphibians. Kids can learn why these misunderstood animals matter to the desert.
Is there anything else to do in Alamogordo on November 14?
That evening the New Mexico Museum of Space History hosts a public star party with the Astronomy League. It makes a fun nature-and-stars day.
Event details come from the New Mexico State Parks listing on the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce community calendar, and park fees and directions come from New Mexico State Parks, checked October 30, 2026. Programs can change, so call the park at (575) 437-8284 before you go.