NMWILD News:
ALBUQUERQUE — As New Mexico’s rivers were named America’s “Most Endangered” in 2024, New Mexico Wild today released Wild Waters: Passport to New Mexico’s Rivers, a comprehensive guide to 42 of the state’s most spectacular river segments.
The 262-page guide arrives at a critical moment: only one-tenth of one percent of New Mexico’s 108,000 miles of rivers enjoy permanent protection.
“For New Mexicans, rivers are inseparable from our history, our culture, and our very identity,” said Mark Allison, Executive Director of New Mexico Wild. “This guide will inspire people to experience these wild waters firsthand—the best path to becoming lifelong advocates.”
From Class III rapids on the Rio Chama to hidden swimming holes in the Gila wilderness, each featured river segment includes a detailed map, access information, featured recreation activities, and the natural and cultural treasures that make these waters worth protecting. The guide notes that over 80% of New Mexico’s vertebrate species depend on rivers and riparian areas, underscoring the urgent need for conservation. It also provides information on why rivers matter, strategies for protecting rivers, river recreation safety tips, and much more.
Wild Waters is available now to purchase at www.nmwild.org/shop. Proceeds support New Mexico Wild’s conservation efforts.
Wild Waters Book Tour
New Mexico Wild is taking Wild Waters on the road! Join Conservation Director Bjorn Fredrickson for an engaging conversation about one of the Land of Enchantment’s greatest treasures: our rivers. Whether you’re drawn to whitewater adventure, native trout streams, or the quiet beauty of hidden canyons, Wild Waters opens the door to New Mexico’s most extraordinary river segments.
- Las Cruces
6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Collective Co, 211 N Water St., Las Cruces, NM 88001 - Santa Clara
6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
Open Space Brewing, 11990 US-180 Santa Clara Armory, Santa Clara, NM 88026 - Albuquerque
12 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026
WHEELS Museum, 1100 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Ticket details coming soon. RSVP at nmwild.org to be notified when final event details are released.
Additional Wild Waters events in Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Albuquerque, and El Paso to be announced soon.
About New Mexico Wild
New Mexico Wild is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and continued enjoyment of New Mexico’s wildlands and wilderness areas. With professional staff, volunteers, and thousands of members throughout the state, the organization has been protecting New Mexico’s wild places since 1997. Learn more at www.nmwild.org.