Bottomless Lakes State Park

New Mexico (Chaves County)

Tucked into the red bluffs east of Roswell in Chaves County, Bottomless Lakes State Park spans 1,400 acres of striking Chihuahuan Desert landscape centered around nine sinkholes filled with vivid blue-green water. Despite the name, the lakes aren’t bottomless — early cowboys lowered ropes that never touched bottom because the currents carried them sideways into underwater caves. The deepest, Lea Lake, reaches about 90 feet and is the only one open to swimming.

Lea Lake is the park’s main draw, with a sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and a designated swim area that feels like finding an oasis in the desert. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular here, and the calm water makes it ideal for beginners. Anglers can try their luck at several of the other lakes, which are stocked with rainbow trout in cooler months. Hiking trails wind along the bluff tops, offering panoramic views of the Pecos River Valley and the surrounding red rock formations.

The park’s campground sits on the bluffs above Lea Lake with both developed and primitive sites. Electric hookups are available, and the views from camp at sunset — when the cliffs glow deep crimson — are worth the trip alone.

Spring and fall bring the best weather, with warm days and cool nights perfect for camping. Summer temperatures regularly push past 100°F, though the lakes provide welcome relief. Winter is quiet and uncrowded, ideal for solitude seekers willing to brave chilly mornings.