Bottomless Lakes

This magically beautiful natural wonder is by far one of my favorite places. I didn’t even know what it was but when I saw the name “Bottomless Lakes” I knew I wanted to drive through. I showed up about and hour after sunset and the mosquitoes were swarming me. I camped by the cluster of smaller lakes near visitor center. I didn’t realize how close I was to the lakes until the sun came up and I was able to explore. The proximity to the water prob was the reason for so many mosquitoes. However the camp spots are so close to the little lakes it’s quite phenomenal. Also I almost left the area because I didn’t see the lakes at first. I thought I need them climb up the mountain to see them but turns out they were right in front of me. I didn’t go swimming in the large lake however look fantastic. Absolutely worth the visit.

We came to the bottomless lakes during the COVID-19 pandemic as we needed to get out of the house before we went insane. The main lake was sadly closed so we couldn't go swimming, but we did walk around some of the smaller lakes. Word of note... Do not come when it's over 100 degrees without ample water. Besides that we couldn't swim, it was a fun break from being stuck at the house.

I have to say, this is a magical place, please take your time to take it all in. I was in Roswell for a few hours and had a long drive to Odessa. I had always wanted to visit these lakes and finally, I had a few hours left before the sun went down. The Bottomless Lakes State Park is only about 20 miles from Roswell and easy to get to as there are signs everywhere. The scenery is very picturesque and you will find, desert, hills, mountains, that red rock that defines the Southwest, cliffs, and blue blue sky.nnMy first stop was the Lazy Lagoon a slowly evaporating body of water, still nice to look at but seemed a little too muddy to take the time to go down the hill and check it out. It is still a very nice photo op if that's your thing. My second stop was the first of the actual Bottomless Lakes this one was called Cottonwood Lake. There are parking and campgrounds at all the lakes, some with facilities, but mostly rough camping at the smaller lakes. Cottonwood lake is carved out in the rocks and surrounded by rocky cliffs, be careful, if you want to swim you will need ropes and please use the buddy system as the lake is deep and its in a rocky depression in the ground. It is still a very really nice area to relax walk around and take photos of. Next up was Mirror Lake which is one lake with two sides separated by a sand bar. This lake is a little bigger than Cottonwood Lake and easier to walk around in. One side is flatter and the other side surrounded by rocky cliffs. The next lake was Inkwell lake, near the Devils inkwell campground. this lake is very small and it's literally a hole in the ground surrounded by cliffs, and it's hard to get to the water itself. Be careful here as it could be dangerous if you fall in (I almost did).nnThe next lake was Figure 8 Lake, like Mirror Lake its two lakes separated by a rocky causeway. A little bigger than Mirror lake and the water is easy to get to. This one I actually walked into a little on both sides, but be wary they have slippery clay bottoms. By the time I reached the 6th lake, Pasture Lake, it was stiflingly hot and the sun had eaten through my sunscreen which I had applied quite liberally, but nonetheless I was starting to get a serious sunburn. Pasture Lake was the last stop on my tour. Lost lake will have to wait for my next trip. Pasture lake is a small and shallow lake surround by sand and wild grasses, hence the name.nnLea Lake, the last Lake in the park is the largest of all the lakes. This is the big one with boating, swimming, a larger camping/RV area, where you can rent paddleboards and pedal boats. I went up to the hilltop and got some great views of the lake there. The trip was great if it wasn't for the massive sunburn I would have stayed a bit longer, but I had a long drive to Odessa and I had to get out of the sun. This is a really unique area of New Mexico, and you can spend a few hours or a few days there. It is worth the effort to get there.

Bottom less leaks came with a reputation before I arrived to the park. It was a positive one.nnWhen I first arrived I stayed at the RV park there. The two camp hosts were very courteous kind and really cordial. While their I did get to test the bathroom and they were very nice clean and well supplied. Shower also.nnDue to the reservations I was only able to stay a week and then moved into the dry camping area. For those who like to dry camp which includes me I really enjoyed that area much more and I love to hike and felt more comfortable going both directions from the dry camping.nnI did like to go to the lake I believe it’s Leah lake and the sunsets on the water there are just spectacular. I took some legendary pictures during that time that I was there.nnI hope that helps give you some information and I would recommend you to try it out. I would come back.

When you want to have a swim, visit this wonderful lakes, and you can choose whatever lake you want to swim in. You can also do your biking or cardio here with your friends or family viewing one lake to another. :D