10 Most Gorgeous Lakes In New Mexico, The USA

1. Caballo Lake

The fourth-biggest reservoir in Rio Grande is Caballo Lake. The lake is part of Caballo Lake State Park which is consistently known to be the best spot for camping. This magnificent lake is popular for plenty of recreational activities such as waterskiing, boating, fishing, and sailing. Caballo Lake includes a great variety of fish such as catfish and bluegill. Aside from the beautiful mountain views serving as a backdrop, this area is also a haven for migratory birds.

Caballo Lake

Address: Sierra County, New Mexico

2. Fenton Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you want a memorable fishing experience, you will be interested in Fenton Lake. This 37-acre (15 hectares) lake is one of the most sought-after fishing destinations in New Mexico. During the spring and fall seasons, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. If you prefer visiting here during winter, ice fishing is also possible. Fenton Lake is part of Fenton Lake State Park located on the northern side of Jemez Mountains. Surrounded by picturesque ponderosa pine forest, its beauty is attracting plenty of campers and hikers throughout the year. This spot was once the filming location for “The Man Who Fell to Earth.”

Fenton Lake

Address: Fenton Lake State Park 455 Fenton Lake Rd Jemez Springs

3. Navajo Lake

Navajo Lake is part of Navajo Lake State Park that sits in Rio Arriba County and San Juan County. It is one of the most adored state parks and the second-biggest lake in New Mexico. This gorgeous lake is available for boating all year-round. With its 15000 surface acres (6070 hectares) of water, this lake encourages you to try out different kinds of activities such as fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. The lake is also part of the Colorado River Storage Project which is being used for local irrigation.

Navajo Lake

Address: Navajo Dam, New Mexico 87419

4. Abiquiu Lake

Abiquiu Lake is the result of Rio Chama being seized by Abiquiu Dam. With its length of 19 kilometers (12 miles) and an elevation of 1896 meters (6220 feet), this gorgeous lake can accommodate numerous activities such as boating and fishing. Breathtaking red sandstone rock formations surround the lake, making this area perfect for photo ops. From here, you can also admire the picturesque view of Cerro Pedernal (Flint Mountain).

Abiquiu Lake

Address: Abiquiu LakeNew Mexico 87017, USA

5. El Vado Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

All year-round, El Vado Lake is attracting visitors who want to take a break from the world. The lake’s eastern shore offers plenty of RV campsites and activities near the lake. The lake is big enough to accommodate power boating which is a popular activity in the area. Located in Rio Arriba County, El Vado Lake is a reservoir and home to salmon and trout.

El Vado Lake

Address: Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

6. Snow Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in Gila National Forest, which is the world’s first wilderness area, Snow Lake is a small reservoir that is home to diverse marine life. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or just a regular tourist, you will surely enjoy a multitude of water activities here such as fishing and kayaking. Adjacent to the lake is a wonderful campsite perfect for relaxation after a long day of engaging in all kinds of activities.

Snow Lake

Address: Gila National Forest, New Mexico

7. Heron Lake

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Heron Lake, a beautiful reservoir in Rio Arriba County, is also part of the San Juan-Chama Project that carries water from San Juan River to plenty of rivers and lakes. This lake is considered one of the cleanest lakes in New Mexico due to its constant filtration by Heron Dam. There are plenty of things to do in and around the lake such as swimming, fishing, and camping, to name a few. If you want to escape the city life’s daily stresses, consider planning a trip here soon.

Heron Lake

Address: Rio Arriba County, New Mexico 87551, USA

8. Lake Maloya

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Lake Maloya is a 120-acre (49 hectares) reservoir situated in Sugarite Canyon State Park. The city and its surrounding areas benefit to this lake as it serves as a main source of water. The area oozes natural beauty with a laid-back atmosphere so it’s not a surprise that plenty of campers and hikers seek this place for that much-needed respite. The lake is stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making this site perfect for fishing.

Lake Maloya

Address: Sugarite Canyon State Park on the New Mexico-Colorado State border

9. Brantley Lake

Impounded by Brantley Dam, Brantley Lake is a reservoir on Pecos River and is part of the Brantley Project of the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Located within Bratley Lake State Park, the nearby town benefits from the lake. Although its main functions are flood control, fish and wildlife development, and irrigation, tourists flock to Brantley Lake for fishing and other water escapades. If you are curious about the town’s history, the park also presents historical and important displays of Wild West Town of Seven Rivers.

Brantley Lake

Address: 33 W Brantley Lake Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220

10. Conchas Lake

If you want to experience excellent fishing, you may consider Conchas Lake. It is a 40-kilometer (25 miles) reservoir located in northeastern New Mexico behind Conchas Dam and adjacent to Conchas Lake State Park. It is home to plenty of fish such as bluegill and channel catfish. The lake’s clean water and the area’s serene atmosphere make this place perfect for escaping life’s daily stresses. Conchas Lake has a surface area of 9600 acres (3884 hectares) and an elevation of 1309 meters (4200 feet), offering more fun things to do in and around the lake.

Conchas Lake

Address: New Mexico 88416, USA

Explore the most gorgeous lakes

New Mexico is blessed with natural wonders ranging from stunning mountains to magnificent lakes. Whether you are looking for a place to inspire you or reconnect with nature, the lakes of New Mexico will never disappoint.