The lakes are water filled sinkholes in the local gypsum terrain. Odd geology and water chemistry create homes for unusual plants and animals, like the

Pecos sunflower.

Are the Lakes Really Bottomless? 
The lakes' greenish-blue color creates the illusion that the lakes are bottomless.  Cowboys added to the lake's mystique when they failed to find the bottom of the lakes by tying their saddle ropes together.  In fact, they range in depth from 17 ft. to 90 ft. 

First of Its Kind
In 1933 the Bottomless Lakes area was set aside as New Mexico's first state park.

Lake Highlights
Lea Lake is the deepest lake at 90 feet and is the only lake where swimming is allowed. During summer, visitors can rent paddle boards and pedal boats for a small fee. Devil's Inkwell is 32 ft. deep and is named for its steep sides and dark water, the result of algae growth. This lake, as well as Pasture Lake, are stocked with rainbow trout in winter.

The Outdoor Classroom @ Bottomless Lakes

Teachers now have more reason to consider a field trip to Bottomless Lakes State Park. The "Bitter Water, Bottomless Lakes" (BWBL) curriculum offers 4th and 5th grade teachers several field trip and classroom activities tied to New Mexico science standards. Lessons include habitat, geology, adaptations, and water quality.

Click HERE for the BWBL page.

Directions

From Roswell, head east on US 380 for 12 miles, then south on NM 409 for 3 miles.

FAST FACTS

Gate Hours
24 hours. Lea Lake Campground/Day Use Area locked at 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. during summer months.

      Park Superintendent
         Joe Kasuboski
          575.624.6058

Alternative # 575.624.6057      FAX: 575.624.6029
joe.kasuboski@state.nm.us
            

Address

    HC 12, Box 1200
      Roswell, NM 88201

Land
          1,400 Acres

        Lake Surface             45 Acres

            Elevation

3,500 feet

          Precipitation

  12.2 inches

         Temperature
         January  56/29
         April       77/51
         July       92/68
         October  74/46

•Camping Reservation

  Site Map

•Park Brochure

•Park Management Plan

•Park Photo Tour