Wellesley Island State Park - New York

Address:44927 Cross Island Road
Fineview, New York

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is a fabulous combination of desert beauty and a bit of local history. The dry desert environment here is moistened with the green oasis of flowing water, mossy rocks, and columbines, ferns, and orchids. Visitors will enjoy hiking the six-mile Dog Canyon recreational trail, which offers great views of White Sands National Monument. In addition, park-goers are welcome to visit the ranch headquarters of Oliver Lee, which has been restored and refurbished, and is open for tours. All of this plus camping, wildlife viewing, and interpretive exhibits make Oliver Lee Memorial State Park a great getaway for all.

Springs and seeps in the walls of Dog Canyon support yellow columbines, maidenhair ferns and orchids. Secreted in this harsh landscape is a green oasis, where water flows year-round and ferns cling to mossy rocks. This area, known as Dog Canyon, is one of many deep ravines that slice the west flank of the Sacramento Mountains in southern New Mexico. Upward Climb The park is trailhead for the Dog Canyon National Recreational Trail in the adjacent Lincoln National Forest. This difficult, six-mile trail has splendid views of the surrounding desert and White Sands National Monument. Water, plants and wildlife in Dog Canyon attracted prehistoric and historic inhabitants to the area. Apache used the rugged canyon as a stronghold in 19th-century conflicts with the United States Army. Oliver Milton Lee (1865-1941) had a colorful career in New Mexico history. Experience life of late 19th-century settlers at Lee's ranch headquarters, now restored and authentically furnished. The ranch house is open to the public by guided tour only.