Bottomless LakesDescriptionThe lakes' greenish-blue color makes an illusion that the lakes are bottomless, but they differ in depth from 17 ft. to 90 ft. Cowboys added to the lake's mystique as they failed to find the bottom of the lakes by tying their saddle ropes together.
In 1933 the bottomless lakes area was set aside as New Mexico's first state park.
Lea Lake is the deepest lake among the bottomless lakes at 90 feet and is the only lake where swimming is not forbidden. During summer, visitors usually rent paddle boards and paddle boats for a small fee. Devil's Inkwell is 32 ft. deep. It is named for its steep sides and dark water, the result of algae growth. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout in winter.
Getting thereTo get to Bottomless Lakes State Park from Roswell, head east on US 380 for 12 miles and then south on NM 409 for three miles.
Entrance FeeDaily Entrance
Day-use (per vehicle) $5
Walk-in/bicycle No Charge
Bus $15
Operating HoursThe park is opened 24 hours.
| 
; newWin.focus();)
; newWin.focus();)