Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park lies about fifteen miles southeast of Roswell, along the cliffs that rise above the Pecos Valley, and it protects a chain of deep sinkhole lakes. The name is a legend rather than a fact: the lakes are deep, with colors from emerald to teal, but they are not bottomless. Early cowboys, who could not reach the bottom with their ropes, gave them their name, and the story has stuck. The lakes were formed when underground salt and gypsum dissolved and the surface collapsed, leaving round, steep-sided pools fed by groundwater. Visitors can picnic, walk, swim at the designated lake, camp and watch birds and wildlife. The setting is beautiful in a stark way, with red cliffs, pale shores and bright water set against a wide plains sky. It is one of the best easy outdoor stops between Carlsbad and Roswell, and it makes a pleasant addition to a day trip focused on the UFO museum.

The park's recreation focuses on a few developed areas. Swimming is permitted at designated lakes, and facilities nearby include picnic shelters, restrooms and, in season, rentals and concessions. Rules about swimming, diving and boats vary by lake and by conditions, so read the posted signs and check with the park. The water is cool and deep, and visitors should be careful with children and with their own limits.

Hiking is modest but rewarding. Short trails link the lakes and the cliff top, with viewpoints over the valley, and wildlife such as birds, lizards and small mammals can be seen. In summer, early mornings and evenings are most comfortable, while spring and fall are mild. Wind is common on the plains and can be strong, so bring layers and secure your gear.

Camping is available for visitors who want to extend the stay, with a campground that offers a quiet night under dark skies. Reservations help in busy periods. Even if you do not stay overnight, a picnic lunch by a lake is a good way to rest between sightseeing stops.

Practical planning matters. Check hours, fees and any seasonal closures before you go, and carry water and sun protection. Because the park is a half-hour drive from Roswell, it fits easily into a day with the museum and the scavenger hunt. From Carlsbad, expect around two hours of driving, so many visitors combine it with an overnight in Roswell or make it a long day trip.

Spend a few minutes at the visitor area, where signs and displays explain how the lakes formed and how they differ from one another. Some are small and green, others large and blue, and the colors change with the light and the algae. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars, because migrating and resident birds use the water and the surrounding reeds.

Keep safety in mind around deep water. Children should be supervised, and life jackets are wise for non-swimmers. Never jump from cliffs, and follow ranger advice about where and when to enter the water.

Weather on the plains changes quickly, so keep an eye on the sky, especially in summer afternoons when storms can build. Pack extra water, because the dry air and sun can dehydrate you faster than you notice, and keep a small towel and change of clothes in the car if you plan to swim.