Clayton Lake State Park
New Mexico’s Dinosaur Trackway Park — 500+ Fossilized Footprints, International Dark Sky Park, Stocked Fishing Lake, Stargazing Observatory
Clayton Lake State Park is a state park at 141 Clayton Lake Road, Clayton, Union County, New Mexico. The park features over 500 fossilized dinosaur footprints on the spillway — one of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in North America, an International Dark Sky Park designation (2010) with an on-site observatory, a stocked fishing lake with trout, walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, and multiple campgrounds with electric hookups and showers.
Clayton Lake is where paleontology meets stargazing — by day, walk the elevated boardwalk over 500+ dinosaur footprints preserved in rock on the dam spillway. These 100-million-year-old tracks from ornithopods, theropods, and pterosaurs are best viewed in early morning or late afternoon light when shadows define the prints. An interpretive gazebo explains the ancient ecosystem.
By night, the park transforms into one of the darkest sky sites in North America — its 2010 International Dark Sky Park designation recognizes the exceptional stargazing conditions in northeastern New Mexico’s high plains. The on-site observatory hosts public viewing events and astrophotography opportunities.
Dinosaur Trackways
- 500+ fossilized footprints — one of North America’s most extensive
- Multiple species represented — ornithopods, theropods, pterosaurs
- Elevated boardwalk — close-up viewing above the tracks
- Interpretive signage and gazebo
- Best viewing — morning or late afternoon (shadow-dependent)
Fishing
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trout | March – October | State-stocked |
| Walleye | March – October | Popular target |
| Bass | March – October | Largemouth |
| Crappie | March – October | Good numbers |
| Bluegill | March – October | Family-friendly |
| Channel Catfish | March – October | Bottom fishing |
Note: Lake is closed to fishing in winter to serve as a migratory waterfowl refuge. Boats permitted at trolling speed only.
Things to Do
- Dinosaur trackway viewing — 500+ prints, boardwalk
- Stargazing — International Dark Sky Park, observatory
- Fishing — stocked lake, 6 species
- Camping — electric hookups, showers
- Boating — trolling speed only
- Birding — winter waterfowl refuge
- Photography — tracks + night sky
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 141 Clayton Lake Rd, Clayton, NM |
| Directions | US-64 N on Hwy 370 ~11 mi, W on Hwy 455 ~1 mi |
| Dinosaur Tracks | 500+ footprints — spillway boardwalk |
| Dark Sky | International Dark Sky Park since 2010 |
| Camping | Multiple campgrounds — electric hookups, showers |
| Fishing | March – October, trolling speed only |
| Managed By | NM State Parks |
| Coordinates | 36.5783° N, 103.3058° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Clayton Lake SP — preserves over 500 dinosaur tracks from at least eight different species — dating to 100 million years ago. The tracksite is one of the most significant dinosaur trackways in North America. The park’s high plains, lake, and grassland support pronghorn, mule deer, and bald eagles. An International Dark Sky Park.
Nearby Attractions
Clayton — 12 miles south. Union County — surrounding. Capulin Volcano NM — 50 miles southwest.
Where can you see dinosaur footprints in New Mexico?
Clayton Lake State Park near Clayton, NM, has one of North America’s most extensive dinosaur trackways — over 500 fossilized footprints from ornithopods, theropods, and pterosaurs preserved in rock on the dam spillway. An elevated boardwalk provides close-up views. Best viewed in morning or late afternoon when shadows define the prints. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park with an observatory.
Is Clayton Lake State Park good for stargazing?
Clayton Lake State Park is one of New Mexico’s premier stargazing destinations — designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2010. Located on the remote high plains of northeastern NM, the park features exceptional darkness and an on-site observatory for public viewing events. Camp overnight to combine dinosaur track viewing by day with astrophotography by night.
Last updated: May 2026
