Hyde Memorial State Park

Historical marker location:

State Route 475, Santa Fe vicinity, New Mexico

( at ranger station on SR 475)

This park is named after Benjamin Talbot Hyde, devoted educator of America’s youth. His family donated the 350 acres which constitute the park to the State of New Mexico in 1934. Situated at an elevation of 8500 feet in the scenic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it is one of the oldest state parks in New Mexico. Facilities include a picnic area, campground, skating pond and sledding area.

The state has a rich tradition of cowboy culture and rodeo, with many annual events celebrating this heritage. One of the most famous is the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which features hundreds of hot air balloons and draws thousands of visitors each year.