Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Sitting at 8,300 feet in the Moreno Valley of Colfax County, Eagle Nest Lake State Park surrounds a 1,200-acre reservoir framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the Cimarron Range to the west. The 3,488-acre park is one of New Mexico’s premier cold-water fishing destinations, drawing anglers year-round for rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and perch. In winter, the frozen lake becomes one of the state’s best ice fishing spots.

Beyond fishing, the lake is popular for boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding during warmer months. Surrounding trails offer hiking and mountain biking with big views of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point, visible to the southwest. Birdwatchers will find ospreys, bald eagles, and western grebes along the shoreline, particularly during spring and fall migrations.

The park’s high-desert location means cool summers rarely topping 80°F, making it a welcome escape from lower-elevation heat. Fall brings golden aspens across the hillsides, and the nearby Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway connects Eagle Nest to Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire for a full northern New Mexico road trip.

Visitors should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms from July through September and bring layers even in summer — nights at this elevation drop into the 40s. The combination of mountain scenery, reliable fishing, and a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere makes Eagle Nest Lake one of the more underrated state parks in the Southwest.

Explore Nearby

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• Taos Field Office — Public Land in New Mexico
• La Frontera Del Llano — Scenic Byway in New Mexico
• Carson National Forest — National Forest in New Mexico
• Myths and Legends Byway — Scenic Byway in Louisiana