Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Courtesy photo Bottomless Lakes State Park is located 15 miles southeast of Roswell. Trout fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, sailing, picnicking, camping and bird watching are some of the common activities that visitors can enjoy.
Place: Bottomless Lakes State Park
Location: The park is located 15 miles southeast of Roswell. It is roughly 122 miles, or a two-hour drive, from Cannon Air Force Base.
What activities can you enjoy at this location? Trout fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, sailing, picnicking, camping and bird watching are some of the common activities that visitors enjoy. There are even areas for geological exploration and scuba diving.
What ages is this facility suited for? Any age is suitable for this park.
What are admission prices? There is a $5-per-vehicle park fee for entrance. Other fees may be encountered for activities. Please refer to the park brochure for explanation of additional fees.
What are the hours of operation? The gate into the park is open 24 hours a day. The gate to Lea Lake, which offers swimming and a sandy shore, is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Are there any special events coming up? July 18 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., a sand sculpture contest is scheduled on the Lea Lake beach. This contest is open to teams and individuals. Prizes will be awarded by age divisions and judged by the beach lifeguard staff. Also, Aug. 8 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the park is set to host a paddleboard race on the Lea Lake beach. Participation is open to all, and prizes will be awarded by age-group category.
One special thing people can do or see here: You will be able to see the illusion that the lakes are bottomless. The appearance is created by their greenish-blue color. They actually range in depth from 17 feet to 90 feet.
Want more information? Visit online at http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/bottomless.htm or call Steve Patterson at (575) 624-6058. The park brochure can be viewed online at http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/documents/BottomlessBrochureUpdated.pdf.
— Compiled by FNM Correspondent Carrie Pendleton