La Llorona Park
A scenic park along the Rio Grande, known for its trails, stunning sunsets, and the legend of La Llorona.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
La Llorona Park
Best Time
Escape the midday sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic park along the Rio Grande, known for its trails, stunning sunsets, and the legend of La Llorona.
"Beautiful sunsets and a great trail for walking, jogging, and cycling along the Rio Grande."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is an exposed trail, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months.
👟 Watch Your Step!
Avoid walking off the paved path into the 'grasses' to prevent getting covered in burrs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rio Grande Trail
Along the Rio Grande
A scenic linear trail perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling with beautiful river views.
Sunset Views
Throughout the park
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the New Mexico sky, especially vibrant when there's water in the river.
Play Area for Kids
South section of the park
A dedicated space for children to play, making it a family-friendly destination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Legend
Trail Smarts & River Realities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is an exposed trail, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months.
👟 Watch Your Step!
Avoid walking off the paved path into the 'grasses' to prevent getting covered in burrs.
🚗 Maneuver Carefully
The road along the park is narrow; turning around at the end might require some maneuvering.
👻 Embrace the Legend
Be aware of the local folklore surrounding La Llorona, adding a spooky charm to the park.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
This is an exposed trail, so staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months.
👟 Watch Your Step!
Avoid walking off the paved path into the 'grasses' to prevent getting covered in burrs.
🚗 Maneuver Carefully
The road along the park is narrow; turning around at the end might require some maneuvering.
👻 Embrace the Legend
Be aware of the local folklore surrounding La Llorona, adding a spooky charm to the park.
🛶 Kayaking & Tubing
When water levels are good, enjoy kayaking or floating on tubes in the Rio Grande.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise La Llorona Park for its beautiful Rio Grande trail, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling, and its stunning sunset views. It's noted as a family-friendly spot with a play area. However, some find the park can be smelly due to drainage canals, and caution is advised to avoid burrs when venturing off paved paths.
"This is a lovely linear trail that travels along the Rio Grande. Parking is across the street from where the trailhead on AllTrails is, and there is a restroom there. Bring water because this is an exposed trail. There is a paved path and a dirt path that parallels it, so you have options. I went off the path a bit to explore, and found an encampment that was thankfully deserted."
Michele O'Neill
"Nice park to walk, jog, and cycle on the paved path in the mornings or evenings. Also when water levels are good in the Rio Grande, kayaking, and floating on tubes is a good time."
Neto Padilla
"We stopped here in 2021, after COVID quarantine, during a return to college road trip. We were surprised then that there was no water in the riverbed, but it was a great opportunity to "stand in the Rio Grande."
We made this trip (post PhD thesis defense and graduation) in mid-November of 2024. After being in the desert of Tucson, AZ, the fall colors were an added bonus to again being able to stand in the sandy riverbed of the Rio Grande.
However, we made the mistake of walking off the concrete walkway and into the "grasses". We returned to the car with burrs attached to our pant-legs, shoelaces, and embedded in the soles of our gym shoes. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE. They are not easy to remove.
Also, be aware that the road that runs along the park is straight and narrow with no cul-de-sac at the end. It takes a little maneuvering to turn around to head back out. We've been there when only one or two other cars are parked along the guardrail, and turning was not difficult. I can't imagine what you would do if that side were full of parked cars; maybe back out???"
Martha Schott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
La Llorona Park is located along the Rio Grande in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Parking is available across the street from the trailhead.
Yes, parking is available across the street from the trailhead. There are no parking fees.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common way to reach the park.
The park features a long paved walking trail that is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
La Llorona Park is situated along the Rio Grande, offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no parking fees or entrance fees to access La Llorona Park.
The park is generally accessible during daylight hours, with evenings being popular for sunset views.
No advance booking is required as there are no admission fees.
Yes, events like the Celebración de las Comunidades del Río Grande are held here as part of conservation weeks.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local park regulations regarding pets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk, jog, cycle on the paved path, enjoy sunset views, and when water levels are good, kayak or tube. There's also a play area for kids.
Yes, the park has a play area for kids and offers a safe environment for family outings.
The park has a paved path and a parallel dirt path. Be cautious of burrs if you stray from the main trails.
Some reviews mention a restroom near the trailhead, but others note a lack of restrooms. It's best to confirm on arrival.
Fishing regulations for the Rio Grande in this area would need to be checked with local authorities.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers excellent opportunities for sunset photography, especially with water in the Rio Grande. The riverbanks also provide scenic backdrops.
The Rio Grande area can attract various wildlife, making it a potential spot for nature photography.
A versatile lens for landscapes and potentially a telephoto lens for wildlife would be beneficial.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but commercial photography might require permits.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Fitness Enthusiasts
👻 Folklore & History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of La Llorona
While the legend is a significant part of the park's identity, it's important to remember that La Llorona Park is also a vibrant community space. It's a place where families gather, individuals exercise, and nature lovers enjoy the outdoors. The juxtaposition of the spooky legend with the everyday use of the park creates a fascinating duality for visitors.
Navigating the Trails and River
The Rio Grande itself is a dynamic feature of the park. Water levels can fluctuate significantly, sometimes leaving a vast, sandy riverbed exposed. While this can be an interesting sight, reviewers warn against venturing off the designated paths into the surrounding 'grasses,' as they are notorious for collecting stubborn burrs that are difficult to remove from clothing and shoes.
Photography Opportunities
Capturing the changing hues of the sky over the river is a must-do for many visitors. Beyond sunsets, the natural landscape offers various photographic subjects. The winding trails, the riverbanks, and the surrounding desert flora can all make for compelling shots. For those interested in wildlife, the Rio Grande ecosystem can attract birds and other animals, presenting opportunities for nature photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit