Information
Landmark: Bottomless Lakes State ParkCity: Roswell
Country: USA New Mexico
Continent: North America
Bottomless Lakes State Park, Roswell, USA New Mexico, North America
Overview
Bottomless Lakes State Park, set just outside Roswell, became New Mexico’s first state park in 1933, its shimmering blue waters drawing visitors ever since.The park’s lakes might sound endless by name, but they’re actually sinkholes-formed when limestone and gypsum caves caved in, some more than 60,000 years ago, leaving deep blue water shimmering in the hollows.In the high plains of southeastern New Mexico, these lakes offer striking geology, abundant wildlife, and plenty of ways to unwind-whether you’re studying ancient rock layers or watching herons skim the water’s surface.New Mexico created the park early on as part of its push to protect natural resources and give people a place to relax-some came to fish in the cool, shaded ponds.Over the years, it’s turned into a favorite spot for fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping, with cool, shaded trails that feel like an oasis in the middle of the desert.Bottomless Lakes State Park boasts nine small yet surprisingly deep lakes, each with its own personality-like Lea Lake, the biggest of them all, where swimmers splash near the dock and boats drift lazily across the water.Arrowhead and Cottonwood Lakes are popular fishing spots, with bass, catfish, and sunfish often tugging at your line in the early morning quiet.Dog Lake is a small, scenic spot where you can spread a blanket for lunch and watch herons glide across the water.Other lakes differ in depth, clarity, and the plants along their shores, forming small pockets of habitat where wildflowers nod in the breeze and fish glide through the shadows.These lakes formed when gypsum sinkholes caved in, leaving deep, still basins-some plunging more than 90 feet.Along the shore, reeds sway in the breeze beside clusters of desert shrubs, creating shelter for ducks, basking turtles, and darting fish.The park’s rocky cliffs and sinkholes reveal how water shapes the land, so visitors come for both the lessons and the leisurely walks.At Bottomless Lakes State Park, you can dive into cool, clear water at the swimming spots or paddle a rented canoe across the quiet, sunlit lakes.Fishing: Anglers flock to well-stocked lakes year-round, drawn by the promise of a quick tug on the line.Scenic paths curve around the lakes and cut through sun‑baked desert, where you might spot a heron lifting off the water or catch the perfect shot for your camera.Camping: You can choose from RV spots, tent sites, or rustic camps tucked under the pines, with many offering a clear view of the glittering lake.You can spread out lunch at a picnic table, rest on a bench under the shade, or stop at an overlook to take in the scenery and watch herons glide over the water while ducks paddle and dragonflies flicker past.The park offers quiet corners for unwinding and trails that invite a brisk hike, making it a spot for families, solo wanderers, and thrill‑lovers alike.Flora and fauna thrive here, with the park’s ecosystem buzzing with life even under the dry, sun-baked air.Visitors can spot waterfowl gliding across the lake, watch hawks wheel overhead, and see migratory birds pause here on their long journeys.Aquatic life here ranges from largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish gliding through the water to turtles and amphibians basking along the muddy shoreline.Grasses, mesquite, and native shrubs mingle with lush riparian growth at the lake’s edge, forming small, vibrant pockets of life.Scattered across the park, interpretive signs share stories that tie rugged cliffs to hidden springs and the animals that depend on them.At Bottomless Lakes State Park, visitors find themselves surrounded by striking red cliffs and shimmering blue water, with plenty of trails and activities to keep the day lively.Deep blue lakes shimmer against the dry, sun-bleached plains, and winding trails by the water invite moments of quiet reflection.Families love spending the day swimming, sharing a picnic under the trees, or casting a line into the water, while photographers and naturalists come for the striking sinkhole shapes and the diverse wildlife that thrives around them.In the heat of summer, cool shade, a soft breeze, and the sparkle of clear water offer welcome relief, drawing visitors to the park all year.In the evening, you’ll find a sky scattered with bright stars, untouched by city glow, and the quiet feels almost magical.Bottomless Lakes State Park sits about 15 miles southeast of Roswell, New Mexico, reached by Highway 380 and a short stretch of quiet local roads.The park stays open all year, charging per vehicle, and offers restrooms, picnic tables, campgrounds, RV hookups, and trail signs you can spot at each turn.You’ll find ADA-accessible spots close to the main lakes and right by the picnic areas, where you can hear the water lapping against the shore.Bottomless Lakes State Park leaves a lasting impression, mixing striking geology with wide-open trails and the quiet shimmer of clear water.Visitors exploring southeastern New Mexico often pause here for the deep, still sinkhole lakes, winding trails, and the flash of a roadrunner darting through the brush.More than a place to relax, the park invites you into the high desert’s rare landscapes-sagebrush under a wide sky-where science meets quiet refuge.
