The Lakes of New Mexico are a perfect destination to see a blend of cliffs and water in one place. Like the Conchas Lake which offers a popular retreat spot for people who enjoy stargazing. Another one is the Blue Hole Lake, renowned for offering crystal clear water and the best scuba diving destinations in the US. In addition if you love and enjoy fishing, do not forget to check out the Navajo Lakes considering the diversity of fish you will find there. If you’re further interested in knowing more about the best lakes in Mexico, continue the journey with us.
Top-Rated Lakes in New Mexico
Blue Hole Lake
Blue Hole Lake is loved for its intensely blue-coloured water, underwater visibility and hidden caves. It is situated in Santa Rose, New Mexico. This natural lake is 80 ft wide at the top but 130 ft wide at the bottom.
What to Do: The best recreational activities that you can do here are swimming and snorkelling. Moreover this place is known for its best scuba diving destinations in the US.
When to Visit: The peak months to swim and dive here are from May to September usually in the early morning.
Who can come: It is more suitable for kids who know how to swim. In the case of dogs, they are welcome only for picnicking but are not allowed in swimming areas. Travelling with family? You will get amazing picnic and outing spots and restrooms near the lake.
For Accommodation and Dining: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham for a luxury feel, Super 8 by Wyndham for a budget-friendly option. You will be offered a free breakfast, indoor and outdoor pools.
Note: You are not permitted to do any boating, fishing or camping activities here. But you can fish in the Blue Hole fishing pond and camp in the Santa Rose State Park instead.
Heron Lake
Heron Lake is actually a reservoir in Rio Arriba County which spans across 5900 acres of land. If you want a peaceful and serene location to visit, Heron Lake needs to be on your list. It’s the best lake in New Mexico for swimming. Due to its silent and placid surroundings. Additionally this lake is more than 200 ft deep.
What to Do: Non-motorized boating like kayaking, sailing, canoeing and paddling. Fishing of huge size trout like rainbow trout, brown trout, Mackinaw and kokanee salmon. Preferably for open water swimming.
When to Visit: for water activities, from July to September. But for fishing, from November to March is an ideal time.
Who can come: Heron Lake is absolutely Safe for kids. In addition to this dogs can enter the lake for a swim but on a leash. For a family outing, you will find a lot of camping sites for an outing and abundant wildlife like mountain lion, black bear etc.
For Accomodation and Dining: You will have to stay in the cabins, RVs, or lodges owned by locals. Campgrounds are also a good spot. Additionally for dining Stone House Lodge Cafe is the only option within reach.
Note– Motor Boats are strictly restricted to no-wake speed to maintain the calmness of the lake
Elephant Butte Lake
The largest lake in New Mexico is situated in the Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Named after Elephant Butte Lake, it covers more than 36000 acres and is 157 ft deep. Surprisingly this lake is an artificial reservoir whose construction was completed in 1916. This is the best lake in New Mexico for boating activities.
What to Do: All types of boating from jet ski, sailing, kayak, canoe, cruise or any other motorized and non-motorized boats can be used here. Its large size gives an unfair advantage for swimming and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass. Mountain biking and hill trekking. It offers campsites like RVs near the beach. Hence camping or picnicking with family or friends becomes hassle-free.
When to Visit: Elephant Butte Lake reaches its peak between May and September for water activities like powerboating, water skiing, relaxed snorkelling etc.
Who can come: This lake is one of those few spots in New Mexico where dogs can also swim in the lake but with a leash of course. It is highly recommended for kids and family outings.
For Accommodations and Dining: for an overnight stay, our suggestion is the Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort. In addition these resorts also welcome dogs and offer dog wash spots and pools.
Note– you will not find any lifeguards at this lake. So if you swim, you are on your own.
Navajo Lakes
Navajo Lakes has a little of desert, a little of mountains and more of water. This is another known man-made reservoir in San Juan County and Rio Arriba County. With a depth of 400 ft and more than 15000 surface area makes it is the 2nd largest and deepest lake in New Mexico after Elephant Butte. Additionally it is considered a great fishing lake in New Mexico due to its depth.
What to Do: activities like jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, paddling, water skiing, water crafts and other motor and non-motor boats. Swimming, scuba diving, wildlife bird watching, hunting, camping with family, hiking and picnicking with friends. Fishing of smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, northern pike, brown trout and kokanee salmon.
When to Visit: Go between June and September if planning for water sports. Go fishing in October.
Who can come: This lake is highly recommended for kids and is flexible for dogs as they are allowed to dip in the lake.
For Accommodation and Dining: top recommendations to stay are Abe’s Motel and Fly Shop and Navajo Dam holiday rentals. Additionally for meals, Abe’s restaurant is convenient and also the marina cafe.
Note– Navajo Lake has 2 marinas for renting boats, fuel and storage. Hence you cannot swim near these marinas or docks. Also there are no lifeguards near the lake. So a kid must wear a life jacket while in the water.
Conchas Lake
This 40 Kms long and 158 ft deep reservoir is located in San Miguel County and is popular for its prehistoric geographical surroundings dating back 200 million years. You might spot dinosaur skeletons etc. This Lake is also a great lake in New Mexico for cabins.
What to Do: Kite flying and stargazing are the highlights of this park. Additionally boating, skiing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, wildlife viewing, camping, shoreline picnic, hiking, etc.
When to Visit: For fishing and less traffic, April, May, September and October are good months. But for water recreation, June to August is recommended.
Who can come: Kids and Dogs both are both most welcome in the park and also inside the lake for a dive. But no lifeguards in View. So swim at your own risk and dogs must be on a leash even inside the water.
For Accommodation and Dining: You will get a developed camping ground inside the Conchas Lake State Park with various amenities like drinking water, hot showers etc. Recommended camp sites are the Cove Campground and the Bell Point Campground. But you have to bring your own meals and groceries from outside. You will not find any food stations near the lake.
Note: you will also find marinas and boat ramps near the lake.
Abiquiu Lake
Renowned for its finest fishing species and massive red-orange cliffs, this man-made reservoir is considered the most beautiful lake in New Mexico. Situated in Rio Arriba County, Abiquiu Lake is almost 12 kms long covering more than 5000 acres of land. It is 117 ft deep and lies at an elevation of 6220 ft.
What to Do: There is no restriction for motor boats. So jet skis and speedboats are permitted, stand-up paddling, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, trekking the Abiquiu Lake Vista Trail, fishing for walleye, catfish, crappie, and rainbow trout. Another unique point is the Ghost Ranch Museum famous for the paintings of Georgia O’Keeffe. Due to less pollution, you can stargaze at night during winter.
When to Visit: To escape the heat May, June, September and October are the best months. But for stargazing and isolation, November to March is recommended.
Who can come: Kids and dogs are both suitable for this lake. They can enjoy the short trek and calm water activities.
For Accommodation and Dining: Abiquiu Inn is a good dog-friendly option to stay near the lake. The grand hacienda luxury inn is an adults-only hotel, which also offers panoramic views and a hearty breakfast. You can also stay in the campgrounds of the park for a more close-to-nature experience. Abiquiu Cafe is a top-recommended spot for eating out.
Note: Alcohol is strictly restricted inside the lake.
Bottomless Lakes
These are a series of 9 deep and miniature lakes which are actually sinkholes. You will find these lakes in Bottomless Lakes State Park which is New Mexico’s first state park established in 1933. There is no exact record of these lakes being bottomless but is presumed as such due to their dark bluish-green colour.
What to Do: You can only go camping, picnicking, swimming, and scuba diving at Lea Lake. Being assumed bottomless, non-motorized boat activities like kayaking, canoeing, paddling etc are very popular. Despite the landscape being similar to a desert, it has preserved rare aquatic fish like Pecos pupfish, rainwater killifish, Mexican tetra etc.
When to Visit: Summer is the prime window to visit here for swimming, non-motor boat activities and scuba diving i.e from May to October.
Who can come: Lea Lake is very suitable for kids. Additionally lifeguards are present there. Dogs can come but they must have a leash around their neck and the owner must clean up after them.
For Accommodation and Dining: there are no hotels, lodges or food stalls available on the lake. But you can put up your own tents in the available campgrounds. You can bring your own groceries from outside and cook them here.
Note: fishing is highly restricted in bottomless lakes except for Devil’s Ink Well and Pasture Lake. Swimming is only allowed in Lea Lake.
Tip: Beyond the lakes, there are many other tourist places in New Mexico that you can visit in your spare time to learn more about this place.
Travel Tips
Swimming Tips
- Do not jump headfirst due to the rocky terrain both in and out of the lakes.
- Do not ever swim alone. Always have a friend with you
- Wear bright swimsuits so that in case of accidents, the lifeguards can see you
- Most lake temperatures are very cold. So be prepared
Boating/Fishing Tips
- You will require a boater education card to operate motor boats
- Life jackets are non-negotiable
- Wear footwear with a robust grip
- You need to have a legit fishing permit.
Packing Tips
- Pack suncream and polarized glasses to avoid extreme heat
- Wear quick-drying materials like nylon and not cotton
- Use water shoes to protect your feet from rocky water bottoms
- Bring an umbrella because of the lack of shade areas near lakes
- Cover your electronics in waterproof materials
- Must take a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
Essential Tips
- For entry to lakes and state parks, New Mexico residents will have to pay $5 per vehicle; for non-residents $10 per vehicle.
- Fishing licenses also vary by residency, age and duration.
- Do respect nature, wildlife and the surrounding areas.
Note: For more detailed information about this place, visit New Mexico True.
Ending Note
Even though there are no natural lakes in New Mexico, the reservoir offers a prime spot for many unique activities like scuba diving, kite flying, snorkelling, etc. The Major Lakes in New Mexico along with necessary details and travel tips are provided for your convenience. Each Lake has a distinct landscape view and tourist attractions. To make your journey easier, book charter bus services in New Mexico. We hope this blog guides you to make your journey memorable.