Place guide
Leasburg Dam State Park
A small park on the Rio Grande with shaded picnicking and birding along the bosque.
📍GPS: 32.496431, -106.921605
Leasburg Dam State Park is a quiet desert park along the Rio Grande 20 miles north of Las Cruces. The park surrounds a diversion dam completed in 1907 to direct river water into the Leasburg Canal and irrigate the upper Mesilla Valley.
Things to Do
Walk Along the Rio Grande
Several short trails pass through the desert and riverside vegetation surrounding the dam. The river corridor is also a good place to watch birds and enjoy views of the nearby mountains.
Fish or Paddle
You can fish below the dam or launch a canoe or kayak when river conditions allow. Water levels vary throughout the year, so paddling is not always possible.
Camp and Stargaze
The park has developed campsites and is known for its dark skies. Public astronomy programs are occasionally held at the park’s observatory.
Final Take
Leasburg Dam State Park is a peaceful place to camp, walk beside the Rio Grande, or spend an evening beneath the stars. It also pairs well with a visit to nearby Fort Selden Historic Site.
Nearby places
Fort Selden Historic Site
Ruins of a 19th-century frontier fort that protected settlers along the Camino Real.
Dona Ana Arch
A natural arch formation in southern New Mexico, offering scenic views and hiking opportunities.
Las Cruces
Southern New Mexico's largest city, known for its Organ Mountain backdrop, rich history, and agriculture.