Introduction

Welcome to Bottomless Lakes State Park, a geological wonderland that challenges visitors' perceptions of New Mexico's landscape. Located near the famous city of Roswell, this park offers a mesmerizing collection of deep, mysterious lakes that seem to defy conventional understanding. Each sinkhole lake tells a story of geological transformation, providing not just a recreational destination but a window into the complex natural processes that shape our planet's surface.

Background

Bottomless Lakes State Park features a series of eight small, deep lakes formed within limestone sinkholes near Roswell, New Mexico. These unique water bodies range in depth from 17 to 90 feet, creating a distinctive landscape that supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Visitors can explore multiple recreational opportunities including swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation in an environment that showcases the fascinating geological processes that shaped this remarkable landscape.

History

The Bottomless Lakes State Park represents a geological marvel with a fascinating geological and cultural history. Established in 1933 as New Mexico's first state park, these sinkholes were formed by water dissolving underground limestone, creating a series of deep, mysterious lakes. Indigenous peoples and early settlers were captivated by these unique water bodies, which appear bottomless due to their remarkable depth and dark coloration, inspiring both scientific curiosity and local folklore.

Address: 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201Get Directions

Total Trail Length: 3.5 miles

Fees: $5 day use

Hours: 7am-sunset

Phone: (575) 624-6058

More Info: New Mexico State Parks