The Best Lakes in New Mexico
New Mexico’s landscape has plenty of charms – but large bodies of water aren’t usually numbered among them. If you know where to look, however, New Mexico has quite a few lakes to fish, swim, and hike around. Especially during warm summer months, these lakes provide welcome relief from the high desert heat and a little oasis for water-lovers in the land-locked Land of Enchantment.
NB: some of these lakes and parks have experienced periodic closures due to coronavirus. Be sure to double-check their status before heading out!
Our Favorite New Mexico Lakes
Best for swimming: Abiquiu Lake
Best for fishing: Ute Reservoir
Most beautiful lake: Lake Katherine
1. Nambe Lake
Activities: hiking
Distance from Santa Fe: 35 minutes
The 6-mile out and back hike to this beautiful alpine lake begins in the Santa Fe Ski Basin along the Winsor Trail and winds up through evergreen and aspen trees. The lake itself boasts clear water, cool temperatures, and beautiful scenery. The trail to the lake has a steep elevation gain, so be sure to pace yourself.
The beautiful view that awaits you at the end of the 3 mile (out only) trek up to Nambe Lake. Be sure to bring a picnic!
2. Santa Cruz Lake
Activities: wading, boating, fishing, hiking, camping
Distance from Santa Fe: 45 minutes
Santa Cruz Lake is a picturesque lake only a 45-minute drive from Santa Fe, near the historic town of Chimayo, New Mexico. Aside from being famous for its red chile, Chimayo is also the site of a yearly Easter pilgrimage that draws visitors from all over the state. Santa Cruz Lake is a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of Santa Fe. There’s no swimming allowed at this lake, but visitors can wade, hike, fish, and camp nearby. Parking is $5 per vehicle per day, and $7-9 a night to camp.
3. Abiquiu Lake
Activities: swimming, camping, boating, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 1.5 hours
Abiquiu Lake is located near the small town of Abiquiu, near where painter Georgia O’Keeffe composed some of her most famous works. Surrounded by red rock cliffs and scrubby high desert, the lake waters are a jewel-like blue oasis. Abiquiu Lake is also one of the best places to take a dip near Santa Fe, with clear, cool water and a small, sandy beach.
Clear skies and blue water at Abiquiu Lake.
4. Elephant Butte Reservoir
Activities: swimming, camping, boating, hiking, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 3 hours
In the mood for a road trip? Located about three hours south of Santa Fe, Elephant Butte is one of the largest lakes in New Mexico, and features ample activities, from swimming and sunbathing to boating and fishing. This spot is also a great place to birdwatch and catch glimpses of local wildlife. There are plenty of picnic areas to enjoy a bite to eat at, and visitors can reserve campsites for overnight stays.
5. Heron Lake
Activities: camping, boating, hiking, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 2 hours
To the north of Santa Fe near the Colorado border, Heron Lake is a picturesque lake surrounded by a tall pine forest. Heron Lake is designated as a “quiet lake” where boaters are required to operate at no-wake speeds, making it a safe spot to canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and more. During the winter months, visitors can also take advantage of the chilly temperatures to ice fishing or cross country skiing. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to spot wildlife including mountain lions, black bears, elk, deer, and bald eagles! Heron Lake is connected by the Rio Chama to El Vado lake, where there are additional campgrounds and hiking trails.
6. Bottomless Lakes
Activities: camping, hiking, fishing, boating
Distance from Santa Fe: 3 hours
The Bottomless Lakes are a chain of nine small lakes near Roswell, New Mexico, a little over a three-hour drive from Santa Fe. The lakes are all actually sinkholes, with depths ranging from 17 feet to 90 feet. This is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing or just enjoying the view, and is a great stop if you’re headed to or from Roswell or the Carlsbad Caverns.
7. Cochiti Lake
Activities: camping, swimming, boating, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 45 minutes
Only a short drive from Santa Fe, Cochiti Lake is a great pick if you’re looking for a quick afternoon swimming trip. The lake features a large, sandy beach area that’s a popular destination on hot summer weekends. Visitors are welcome to wade, swim, canoe, and kayak. Fishing is also permitted as long as you’re outside the beach area.
8. Ute Reservoir
Activities: swimming, boating, hiking, camping, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 3 hours
Ute Reservoir is located in eastern New Mexico near the Texas border, and is about a three-hour drive from Santa Fe. The lake is 13 miles long and one of the largest in New Mexico. It’s a great destination for an overnight camping trip, and is also a great place to go birding and view wildlife. It’s one of the best fishing spots in New Mexico!
9. Eagle Nest Lake
Activities: camping, boating, hiking, fishing
Distance from Santa Fe: 2.5 hours
Eagle Nest Lake is another northern New Mexico gem about a two and a half hour drive from Santa Fe, near the town of Angel Fire and Cimarron Canyon State Park. It’s a great place to beat the heat during warm summer months, and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
10. Lake Katherine
Activities: hiking, camping, swimming
Distance from Santa Fe: 35 minutes
In the mood for a backpacking trip? Lake Katherine is at the end of a 15-mile out and back hike that starts in the Santa Fe Ski Basin. While the hike is moderately challenging, the beautiful alpine lake at the end more than makes up for the effort. If you’re up to braving the chilly waters, you can even take a dip! Since the hike is a fairly long one, this lake is usually less crowded. While you can hike out and back in a day if you leave early and stick to a strict schedule, we recommend staying overnight and taking in the view. Camping is allowed near this lake - just make sure not to camp within 200 feet of the lake, and to pack out any trash with you.
New Mexico Lakes: What to Know Before You Go
Lakes and swimming holes can sometimes be closed to the public, for reasons like algae blooms, low water levels, or general maintenance. It’s a good idea to check online for potential closures if you plan on visiting a lake or recreational area.
The sun is strong in New Mexico, so if you plan on doing any beachside lounging, swimming, boating, or hiking you should be sure to pack a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Many lakes have rocky or muddy shorelines, so you might want to pack water shoes or waterproof sandals if you plan on getting your feet wet.
If you’re in the mood for a dip, New Mexico also boasts an impressive array of hot springs, many of which are only a short drive from Santa Fe. There are also plenty of great day hikes in the area. No matter where you choose to adventure, you’ll be able to soak in the beauty of New Mexico’s great outdoors!
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