The Most Beautiful Lake in New Mexico: A Scenic Gem Await for Nature Lovers

Choose the lake you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Sep 18, 2023 05:55
Discover the enchanting beauty of New Mexico's serene lakes and take part in our quest to crown the most beautiful lake in the Land of Enchantment! StrawPoll invites you to explore and vote for your favorite gem among these pristine aquatic wonders. Join thousands of nature enthusiasts as they rank captivating destinations like the tranquil waters of Heron Lake, the mystic charm of Bluewater Lake, the picturesque oasis of Elephant Butte, and many more awe-inspiring contenders. Don't see a beloved lake on our list? Fear not, for you can suggest a missing option, and together we'll create the ultimate ranking of New Mexico's heavenly lakes. Dive into this aquatic adventure and let your voice be heard in our celebration of nature's masterpieces!

What Is the Most Beautiful Lake in New Mexico? (September 2023)

  1. 1
    73
    votes
    Lake Abiquiu
    G · Public domain
    This lake is surrounded by red sandstone cliffs and offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is also known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating.
    Description
    Lake Abiquiu is a picturesque reservoir located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. It was created by the damming of the Rio Chama, a tributary of the Rio Grande. The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty and is situated amidst the scenic landscapes of the Chama River Valley and the surrounding red sandstone cliffs.
    • Location: Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
    • Primary River: Rio Chama
    • Creator: United States Army Corps of Engineers
    • Area: approximately 2,200 acres
    • Max Depth: approximately 200 feet
  2. 2
    16
    votes
    Located in the northern part of the state, Heron Lake is known for its pristine waters and beautiful scenery. The lake is surrounded by forests and mountains, making it a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
    Description
    Heron Lake is a stunning reservoir located in northern New Mexico, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of the Carson National Forest. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the state, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
    • Size: 4,500 acres
    • Elevation: 7,186 feet
    • Maximum Depth: 177 feet
    • Water Source: Brazos River
    • Recreation Areas: 3
  3. 3
    22
    votes
    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    This lake is located in the Four Corners region and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is also known for its clear waters, making it a popular spot for fishing and boating.
    Description
    Navajo Lake is a stunning reservoir located in northern New Mexico, near the town of Navajo Dam. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including red sandstone cliffs and majestic forests, making it one of the most scenic lakes in the state.
    • Location: San Juan County, New Mexico
    • Size: 15,600 acres
    • Length of shoreline: 150 miles
    • Maximum depth: 400 feet
    • Water source: San Juan River
  4. 4
    14
    votes
    Elephant Butte Lake
    Matthew.kowal · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Elephant Butte Lake

    U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
    This lake is the largest in the state and offers a variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. It is also known for its stunning desert scenery and unique rock formations.
    Description
    Elephant Butte Lake is the largest and one of the most picturesque lakes in New Mexico. It is located on the Rio Grande in Sierra County and is known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational activities. The lake got its name from the elephant-shaped butte located nearby, which is a popular landmark in the area.
    • Location: Sierra County, New Mexico
    • Size: Area of 36,500 acres
    • Max Depth: 177 feet
    • Shoreline Length: 200 miles
    • Water Volume: 2,065,010 acre-feet
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    This lake is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. It is also known for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing.
    Description
    Lake Maloya is a stunning alpine lake nestled amidst the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northern New Mexico. It is a hidden gem located within Sugarite Canyon State Park and offers visitors a tranquil and enchanting natural oasis.
    • Location: Sugarite Canyon State Park, northern New Mexico
    • Type: Alpine lake
    • Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
    • Size: Approximately 25 acres
    • Elevation: Around 7,500 feet
  6. 6
    4
    votes

    Santa Rosa Lake

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
    Located in the eastern part of the state, Santa Rosa Lake is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. It is also a popular spot for camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
    Description
    Santa Rosa Lake is a stunning artificial lake located in Guadalupe County, New Mexico. It was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control and water conservation project. The lake is surrounded by picturesque desert landscapes and offers a tranquil setting for various recreational activities.
    • Location: Guadalupe County, New Mexico
    • Type: Artificial lake
    • Purpose: Flood control and water conservation
    • Size: Surface area of approximately 3,800 acres
    • Capacity: Over 40,000 acre-feet
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    This lake is located in the Jemez Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. It is also known for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing.
    Description
    Fenton Lake is a stunning natural lake located in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. Surrounded by tall pine trees and nestled in a picturesque valley, Fenton Lake offers captivating views and a serene atmosphere.
    • Location: Jemez Mountains, northern New Mexico
    • Elevation: 7,900 feet (2,408 meters)
    • Size: 27 acres (11 hectares)
    • Depth: Maximum depth of 26 feet (8 meters)
    • Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout
  8. 8
    14
    votes
    Located in the Gila Wilderness, Lake Roberts is known for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. It is also a popular spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
    Description
    Lake Roberts is a picturesque lake located in southwestern New Mexico. It was formed as a result of the construction of a dam on the upper reaches of the Mimbres River.
    • Location: Gila National Forest, New Mexico
    • Size: Approximately 72 acres
    • Max Depth: Approximately 55 feet
    • Elevation: 6,045 feet
    • Water Source: Mimbres River
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    This lake is located in the Pecos Wilderness and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is also known for its clear waters and excellent trout fishing.
    Description
    Lake Katherine is a picturesque alpine lake nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico. Surrounded by lush green forests and towering peaks, it offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Katherine reflect the beauty of its surroundings, making it a truly captivating sight.
    • Location: Sangre de Cristo Mountains, near the Pecos Wilderness
    • Size: Approximately 10 acres
    • Elevation: Over 11,000 feet
    • Depth: Varies, with some parts reaching up to 60 feet
    • Surroundings: Lush green forests and towering peaks
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This lake is located in the Sierra Blanca Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. It is also a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking.
    Description
    Alto Lake is a picturesque natural lake located in Alto, New Mexico. Surrounded by the breathtaking Sierra Blanca Mountains, this lake offers a tranquil and serene setting for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
    • Location: Alto, New Mexico
    • Scenic Surroundings: Sierra Blanca Mountains
    • Size: Approximately 25 acres
    • Water Source: Snowmelt and natural springs
    • Water Clarity: Crystal clear

Missing your favorite lake?

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Ranking factors for beautiful lake

  1. Scenery
    Consider the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, forests, rock formations, and other distinctive features that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the lake.
  2. Water clarity and color
    A beautiful lake should have clear, clean water with a vibrant color that reflects the sky or surrounding natural elements.
  3. Size and shape
    The size and shape of the lake can play a role in its overall beauty. A lake with unique or dramatic dimensions may be more visually appealing than a more ordinary shape.
  4. Shoreline features
    Consider how natural and well-preserved the shoreline and beaches are, as well as the presence of any interesting geological features, vegetation, or wildlife.
  5. Recreational opportunities
    The availability of recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping can enhance the overall experience of visiting a lake and contribute to its beauty.
  6. Accessibility
    A beautiful lake should be reasonably accessible for visitors, with well-maintained roads, trails, or facilities that make it easy to explore and enjoy the area.
  7. Pristineness
    The degree to which the lake remains unspoiled by human activity or pollution is an important factor in assessing its beauty.
  8. Seasonal beauty
    Consider how the lake's beauty changes with the seasons, as some may be more spectacular at certain times of the year due to changes in weather, vegetation, or wildlife.
  9. Local culture and history
    Nearby cultural attractions, historic sites, or local festivals can add an extra layer of richness and interest to a lake's beauty.
  10. Unique features
    Consider any unique or rare characteristics that set the lake apart from others, such as geothermal activity, rare species of wildlife, or striking geological features.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful lake in New Mexico. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite lake is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.

Statistics

  • 1719 views
  • 177 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lake once every 24 hours. The rank of each lake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful lake in new mexico

New Mexico is home to a variety of stunning lakes that offer picturesque views and recreational activities. From the serene waters of Heron Lake to the vibrant blue hue of Elephant Butte Lake, the state has something to offer for every type of lake enthusiast. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which lake truly stands out as the most beautiful. In this article, we will explore the top contenders and ultimately crown the most beautiful lake in New Mexico.