🏆 Official Guide: Bottomless Lakes State Park — New Mexico’s first state park (est. 1933), located southeast of Roswell — featuring nine deep, spring-fed sinkholes (cenotes) ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep, swimming and scuba diving at Lea Lake (the largest), year-round camping (tent + RV), desert hiking trails with panoramic Pecos Valley views, and striking blue-green waters set against dramatic red bluffs.
Bottomless Lakes State Park holds the distinction of being New Mexico’s first state park, established in 1933. Despite its name, the lakes aren’t actually bottomless — the illusion was created when 19th-century cowboys couldn’t reach the bottom with their ropes, and the deep blue-green color from aquatic plants reinforced the mystery. The park’s nine sinkholes are fed by underground springs and set against striking red sandstone bluffs, creating an otherworldly desert landscape.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | ~15 miles SE of Roswell, NM |
| Established | 1933 — New Mexico’s first state park |
| Lakes | 9 sinkholes (cenotes) — 17 to 90 ft deep |
| Swimming | Lea Lake only — sandy beach, seasonal lifeguards |
| Camping | Year-round — Lea Lake + Lower Lakes campgrounds |
| Scuba | Permitted at Lea Lake — unique sinkhole diving |
The Lakes
| Lake | Details |
|---|---|
| Lea Lake | Largest — swimming, scuba, non-motorized boating, beach |
| Devil’s Inkwell | Fishing allowed — stocked seasonally (Mar–Nov) |
| Pasture Lake | Fishing allowed — stocked seasonally |
| Other Lakes | Viewing only — no swimming or fishing |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Lea Lake — sandy beach, pavilion, seasonal lifeguards |
| Scuba Diving | Lea Lake — unique cenote diving, good visibility |
| Kayaking/SUP | Lea Lake — non-motorized only |
| Fishing | Devil’s Inkwell + Pasture Lake only — NOT Lea Lake |
| Hiking | Red Bluff, Wetlands Boardwalk, Skidmarks, Desert Uplands Loop |
| Camping | Lea Lake CG (hookups, showers) + Lower Lakes (primitive) |
| Bird Watching | Wetlands Boardwalk — excellent for birding |
Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Red Bluff Trail | 2–3 mi round trip — panoramic Pecos Valley + sinkhole views |
| Wetlands Boardwalk | ~0.5 mi — accessible, birding, wildlife |
| Skidmarks Trail | 3+ mi — hiking + mountain biking, moderate |
| Desert Uplands Loop | ~1 mi — elevated views of lakes + desert flora |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the lakes actually bottomless?
No — the lakes range from 17 to 90 feet deep. The “bottomless” legend originated when 19th-century cowboys couldn’t reach the bottom with their ropes. The deep blue-green color caused by aquatic plants and algae reinforced the illusion of infinite depth.
Can I fish at Lea Lake?
No — fishing is NOT permitted at Lea Lake. Fishing is only allowed at Devil’s Inkwell and Pasture Lake, which are stocked seasonally from March through November.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Brantley Lake State Park (elsewhere in the state) and Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for New Mexico state parks online at newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bottomless Lakes State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
