Rio Grande Valley State Park & Abq. Open Space - La Orilla Access
Albuquerque
Photos by Tom Blazier
[NOTE: Paintings done at this location are eligible for entry in the Art In The Parks Show.]
Rio Grande State Park Open Space is managed cooperatively by the Albuquerque Open Space Division and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. For our purposes it can be regarded as both a New Mexico State Park and an Albuquerque Open Space.
The 4,300-acre park extends from Sandia Pueblo in the north through Albuquerque and south to Isleta Pueblo.
The Rio Grande bosque offers a unique environment in arid Albuquerque. Large cottonwood trees, coyote willow, and New Mexico olive create a cool, shady forest and provide habitat for beaver, numerous bird species, turtles, and snakes.
For more information about Rio Grande State Park Open Space please visit the website: http://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/rio-grande-valley-state-park/.
This particular paintout will be at the La Orilla access on the west side of the river, less than one mile south of the Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center on Coors Blvd. (see directions below). There are various painting subjects in the immediate area, including diversion channel, acequia, cottonwood forest and the Rio Grande River.
Download a pdf map of the entire park. (The La Orilla access in not marked, but the Open Space Visitor Center is): Rio Grande Valley State Park map.pdf
Meet at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8 on the east side of the parking lot of the Sage Brush Community Church, near the metal sculpture and shade structure. There is a blue sign with the letter P indicating where to park.
Enter the park by walking through the gate directly east of the parking lot. To reach the river, cross the bridge and continue walking straight about a quarter mile on the path (east) along the channel.
Bring water and a lunch.
Directions:
- In Albuquerque take Coors Blvd south of Paseo del Norte or north from Montano to the light at La Orilla.
- Turn east on La Orilla and find the entrance to the parking lot of Sage Brush Community Church on the north (left) side at the end of the street.
- Park on the east side of the parking lot near the metal sculpture and shade structure.
Download a printable pdf file of this page (Note: the pdf does not show the meeting time or date): Rio Grande State Park Open Space _ La Orilla Access _ Albuquerque.pdf
