The Walking Park of Portales, New Mexico

Portales, New Mexico is a small community just west of the Texas border. It is home to Eastern New Mexico University and the Portales Rams. Portales is the county seat of Roosevelt County and the perfect cross between a rural community and college town. The true jewel of Portales is the walking park on the west side of town.

The walking park sits north of Dairiconcepts on Industrial SE and the small parking lot can be overlooked if you do not know where to find it. The walking park winds its way through numerous newly planted trees and through unchanged sand hills. The path is all-season with asphalt though pea gravel has been used to deter skateboarders and you have a choice of a short or long loop. The long loop runs about a mile and a half while the shorter loop is about a mile long.

Among the trees, set back from the path, are several park benches where one can sit down and just enjoy a peaceful break. On the southwest side of the park, a community of prairie dogs can be seen frolicking through the summer. The larger trees are home to a wide range of birds such as hawks, owls and the ever present grackles.

The best part about the park is the price. It is free. You can see people of all ages enjoying the park. There are college students, soldiers from the nearby Cannon Air Force Base, young parents with strollers and elderly couples strolling leisurely through the quiet park. It is a great place to get away and to enjoy a breath of fresh air and quiet time.

Be sure to check out the walking park when you are in Portales, New Mexico. You will be glad you did.