Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park

In 1933, the Bottomless Lakes area was set aside as New Mexico's first state park. Lea Lake is the deepest at 90 feet and is the only lake where swimming is allowed. During summer, visitors can rent paddleboats for a small fee. Devil's Inkwell is 32-feet deep and is named for its steep sides and dark water, the result of algae growth.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout in winter. Lazy Lagoon is surrounded by treacherous and odorous mud flats, making in inaccessible for recreation but a great place to view waterfowl that are often present. Recreational opportunities at Bottomless Lakes include camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, sailing and wildlife viewing. The park also has a trail system open to hiking and site seeing.

The area is also famous for its "Pecos Diamonds," which are actually quartz crystals formed inside the gypsum in the soil. The soft gypsum sometimes crumbles away, exposing the "diamonds."

Bottomless Lakes State Park
HC 12, Box 1200
Roswell, NM 88201
Phone: (575) 624-6058
www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/bottomless.htm