There are few things as peaceful as the sight of rippling lake water under an intensely blue, New Mexico sky. Previously, we highlighted 12 of our state’s most beautiful lakes. But, we’re not done! Here are 12 more scenic lakes that you’ll want to visit:
- El Vado Lake, El Vado
Flickr/Bill L This reservoir in northern New Mexico is five miles long and more than a mile across. If you’re lucky, you might spot a bald eagle here during water. The lake is popular with hikers who relish the 5.5-mile riverfront trail joining this state park with Heron Lake.
- Caballo Lake, Caballo
Wikimedia Commons/Kfasimpaur This shallow lake is often overlooked due to its proximity to Elephant Butte Lake. However, this is a pretty spot, set against the Caballo Mountains and it’s much quieter than its better known neighbor.
- Sumner Lake, near Fort Sumner
Flickr/Michele Savor the image of wheat-colored grass swaying beside the blue waters of Sumner Lake. At this state park you can swim, boat, or just sit back and watch for wildlife.
- Williams Lake, Taos
Flickr/Sarah Richter This alpine lake sits in the shadow of Wheeler Peak. You can hike to it throughout much of the year (but bring snow shoes in winter). For more info.
- Storrie Lake, near Las Vegas
Tripadvisor/Cigano-Gitano Did you know that you can windsurf in New Mexico? Well, that’s just one of many activities permitted at Storrie Lake.
- Lake Farmington, Farmington
Facebook/Visit Farmington New Mexico is short on sandy beaches, which is why the seasonal swimming beach at this reservoir is such a delight. During the rest of the year, the lake remains popular with fishing fans. For more info.
- Eagle Nest Lake, Eagle Nest
Flickr/Diann Bayes Since this lake is at an elevation of 8,196 feet, it is bracingly cold. However, that makes it ideal for ice fishing - an activity many don’t realize is an option in the Land of Enchantment.
- Grindstone Lake, Ruidoso
Tripadvisor/Christine E. Convenient to Ruidoso, Grindstone Lake offers scenic hiking and biking opportunities.
- Lost Lake, Red River
Tripadvisor/AtlasVetrov Another gorgeous – if much longer - lake trail leads to Lost Lake. Although this is a more challenging day hike, the reward is this view.
- Ute Lake, Logan
Tripadvisor/Lookin_For_Stuff Ute Lake, which is technically a reservoir, stretches on for close to 13 miles. Fishermen appreciate the chance to catch catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie in these waters.
- Clayton Lake, Clayton
Flickr/Cherie Ve Ard While Clayton Lake is a peaceful spot, it’s also on the small side. However, in addition to water views, this state park contains a vast collection of dinosaur footprints and an observatory. The combined package is definitely worth a detour.
- Morphy Lake, near Mora
Flickr/Karl Morphy Lake is nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Try a little canoeing or fishing at this undiscovered state park.
Which of these lakes most appeals to you?
Flickr/Bill L
This reservoir in northern New Mexico is five miles long and more than a mile across. If you’re lucky, you might spot a bald eagle here during water. The lake is popular with hikers who relish the 5.5-mile riverfront trail joining this state park with Heron Lake.
Wikimedia Commons/Kfasimpaur
This shallow lake is often overlooked due to its proximity to Elephant Butte Lake. However, this is a pretty spot, set against the Caballo Mountains and it’s much quieter than its better known neighbor.
Flickr/Michele
Savor the image of wheat-colored grass swaying beside the blue waters of Sumner Lake. At this state park you can swim, boat, or just sit back and watch for wildlife.
Flickr/Sarah Richter
This alpine lake sits in the shadow of Wheeler Peak. You can hike to it throughout much of the year (but bring snow shoes in winter). For more info.
Tripadvisor/Cigano-Gitano
Did you know that you can windsurf in New Mexico? Well, that’s just one of many activities permitted at Storrie Lake.
Facebook/Visit Farmington
New Mexico is short on sandy beaches, which is why the seasonal swimming beach at this reservoir is such a delight. During the rest of the year, the lake remains popular with fishing fans. For more info.
Flickr/Diann Bayes
Since this lake is at an elevation of 8,196 feet, it is bracingly cold. However, that makes it ideal for ice fishing - an activity many don’t realize is an option in the Land of Enchantment.
Tripadvisor/Christine E.
Convenient to Ruidoso, Grindstone Lake offers scenic hiking and biking opportunities.
Tripadvisor/AtlasVetrov
Another gorgeous – if much longer - lake trail leads to Lost Lake. Although this is a more challenging day hike, the reward is this view.
Tripadvisor/Lookin_For_Stuff
Ute Lake, which is technically a reservoir, stretches on for close to 13 miles. Fishermen appreciate the chance to catch catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and crappie in these waters.
Flickr/Cherie Ve Ard
While Clayton Lake is a peaceful spot, it’s also on the small side. However, in addition to water views, this state park contains a vast collection of dinosaur footprints and an observatory. The combined package is definitely worth a detour.
Flickr/Karl
Morphy Lake is nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Try a little canoeing or fishing at this undiscovered state park.
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