Bottomless Lakes

Bottomless Lakes State Park, established in 1933 as New Mexico's first state park, preserves a remarkable chain of eight cenote-like sinkhole lakes along the Pecos River escarpment southeast of Roswell. The evocative 'bottomless' name originated from early cowboys who attempted to measure the depths with their lariats but couldn't find bottom—though the deepest lake actually reaches about 90 feet, the blue-green waters absorbed their ropes creating the illusion of infinite depth. These remarkable cenotes formed as circulating groundwater dissolved underlying gypsum and limestone bedrock over thousands of years, causing surface collapse into water-filled caverns. The lakes' striking colors ranging from emerald to deep azure reflect their varying depths and mineral content, creating stunning oases in the otherwise arid Chihuahuan Desert landscape.

The lakes and surrounding desert support surprising biodiversity in this water-limited environment. Several warm-water fish species inhabit the lakes, including largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, and channel catfish stocked for recreational fishing. Great blue herons stalk the shallows, while various duck species, American coots, and migratory shorebirds utilize the reliable water resources seasonally. Desert mammals including black-tailed jackrabbits, desert cottontails, coyotes, and various rodent species roam the surrounding uplands. The lakes harbor unique aquatic invertebrates adapted to the mineral-rich waters, while reptiles including whiptail lizards, coachwhip snakes, and occasional western diamondback rattlesnakes are encountered in warmer months.

Vegetation at Bottomless Lakes represents classic Chihuahuan Desert scrub punctuated by lush riparian greenery concentrated around the water bodies. Salt cedar (tamarisk) and cattails ring the lake margins, creating dense thickets that provide wildlife cover, while mature cottonwoods in developed areas offer welcome shade. The surrounding desert supports creosote bush—the dominant shrub of the Chihuahuan Desert—along with honey mesquite, four-wing saltbush, and various native grasses. Yucca, prickly pear cactus, and cholla add vertical interest to the landscape. Seasonal wildflowers bloom following winter rains and summer monsoons, adding brief splashes of yellow, purple, and white to the predominantly tan and brown landscape.

The lakes formed through karst processes acting on the highly soluble gypsum and limestone of the Permian-age Artesia Group, deposited in an ancient shallow sea approximately 250 million years ago. Groundwater slowly dissolved these evaporite rocks along fractures over tens of thousands of years, creating extensive underground cavern systems that eventually collapsed to form the surface sinkholes we see today. The Pecos River Escarpment, the dramatic 300-foot cliff face visible from the park, formed as the Pecos River valley eroded eastward into these Permian sediments. Active geological processes continue today, with dissolution slowly enlarging existing lakes and creating potential for new sinkhole formation—the landscape remains geologically dynamic.

Bottomless Lakes experiences a semi-arid climate typical of southeastern New Mexico, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and limited precipitation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during June through August, making the cool lake waters extremely appealing for swimming and providing essential refuge from the intense heat. Winters are generally mild with daytime highs in the pleasant 50s to 60s°F, though freezing temperatures occur most nights. Annual precipitation averages only about 12-13 inches, with the majority arriving during dramatic summer monsoon thunderstorms between July and September. Spring tends to be windy and dry with occasional dust storms, while fall offers pleasant temperatures ideal for camping and outdoor activities.

The Pecos River region has supported human habitation for at least 12,000 years, with Paleoindian peoples hunting now-extinct megafauna near reliable water sources. Various Native American groups including ancestors of modern Mescalero Apache utilized the springs and lakes for water, hunting, and seasonal camps over subsequent millennia. Spanish explorers traveling the Pecos valley in the 16th and 17th centuries documented the springs and unusual lakes. American settlement accelerated in the late 1800s with cattle ranching becoming the dominant land use. Cowboys working the range discovered the lakes and spread stories of their seemingly bottomless depths, giving the area its enduring and evocative name.

New Mexico established Bottomless Lakes as its first state park on November 18, 1933, during the depths of the Great Depression, recognizing both its exceptional scenic value and recreational potential. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the initial park facilities during the 1930s, including access roads, picnic areas, the historic stone bathhouse at Lea Lake, and other infrastructure that established the park's character. Over subsequent decades, the park expanded to include eight of the nine lakes in the chain, with the ninth (Dimmitt Lake) remaining in private ownership. Today, Bottomless Lakes continues to serve generations of New Mexicans and visitors as an accessible swimming, camping, and fishing destination, particularly popular with residents of Roswell and southeastern New Mexico.

Lea Lake, the largest and most developed of the eight lakes, offers the primary swimming experience with a designated beach, diving platforms, and the only lake where swimming is officially permitted. Fishing for stocked bass, bluegill, and catfish is popular at several lakes, with Lazy Lagoon and Figure Eight Lake particularly known for productive angling. The Pecos River Escarpment provides dramatic scenic views and opportunities for hiking along the cliff top, offering perspectives of the entire lake chain. Mirror Lake and Devil's Inkwell showcase unique geological features and offer quieter settings away from the swimming crowds. Scuba diving is permitted in designated lakes, with the unusually clear water and interesting underwater topography attracting certified divers.

The park is located approximately 12 miles southeast of Roswell via US Highway 380 and State Road 409, making it easily accessible as a day trip or camping destination. Multiple camping areas distributed around the lakes offer over 80 sites ranging from primitive tent camping to developed RV sites with full hookups including electricity, water, and sewer. Modern day-use facilities at Lea Lake include the swimming beach, picnic pavilions, restrooms with showers, and a seasonal concession stand. Paddleboat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available during summer months. The park remains open year-round, with swimming most popular from May through September when air and water temperatures make aquatic recreation most enjoyable.

Managing water quality in these unique karst lakes presents ongoing conservation challenges, as the enclosed basins are particularly sensitive to pollution and nutrient loading from surrounding land uses. Invasive species including salt cedar (tamarisk) require continuous management along shorelines to protect native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and water quality. The park carefully monitors groundwater levels and lake conditions, as regional aquifer depletion could potentially affect the springs feeding the lakes. Educational programs help visitors understand the fragile karst ecosystem and importance of protecting these rare desert oases. Climate change and increasing regional water demands pose long-term challenges, making sustainable management and public awareness increasingly critical for preserving these unique geological features.