| Actually seven small park lakes bordered by high red bluffs, Bottomless Lakes Campground offers a variety of sports including hiking, swimming, fishing, and scuba diving. The lakes' greenish-blue color creates the illusion that the lakes are bottomless, but they range in depth from 17 feet to 90 feet. 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 at 90 feet and is the only lake where swimming is allowed. During summer, visitors can rent paddle boards and paddle boats for a small fee.Devil's Inkwell is 32 feet deep and is named for its steep sides and dark water, the result of algae growth. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout in winter. Roomy campsites are available, both at Lea Lake Recreation Area and along the lower lakes.The lower lakes offer developed camping with centralized fresh water and vault toilets Lea Lake offers full hookups with modern restrooms and hot showers. There is a large day-use and picnic area adjacent to the lake. The swimming beach is well maintained and life guards are on duty during the summer. Lea Lake is spring fed with almost 9 million gallons of water flowing through it daily. Due to the clarity of the water in Lea Lake, scuba diving has become very popular. |
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