La Llorona Park — Attraction in Las Cruces

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;...

This is a decent little park. It's got a play area for the kids, a walking/jogging/bike path, and what looked like some really cool fire pits. This park is right along the river and has a bunch of benches facing the water, so even though I didn't catch anything on my visit, it's still a good fishing spot. 2 things to watch out for: the water can move pretty quickly in this area, so keep an eye on your kids, especially if they are in or around the water. And there are a LOT of stickers and goatheads around the park, so shoes are a must. If you get in the water you will want to put your shoes on right when you get out, and make sure to check shoes for goatheads before getting in the car to leave.

Also, there is a water fountain and some pretty clean and relitively funk free restrooms near the parking area.

Would of given this 5 stars, but those...

What a sanctuary for this webfoot,Oregonian! After RAIN storms last night,the early morning brought fresh,clean, cool air to the banks of the flowing RIO GRANDE river. Very early morning on a week day is the key to enjoy,almost complete solitude. The green grass patches are very well managed by workers, in 3 miles of paved walkways, I only saw 2 pieces of TRASH! There are a few tables,play equipment for younger kids, shade trees,& huge metal fire pot lowered into the sand for safe fire. Restroom is an outhouse style,no flush, & VERY. Stinky,but workers keep what is there well maintained.During my time walking 07-0830 I met 2 walkers,1 w a dog,1 bicycle, & multiple birds singing to me. Lovely setting,good photo op. w ORGAN MT.s,river, distant farm fields, various stages of natural lighting dawn to dusk. THANK YOU Las Cruces for protecting...