New Mexico's Deepest Inland Lake Has A Scenic State Park And Beautiful Blue Water For Swimming

Known as the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico is a state known for its iconic adobe architecture, sweeping desert landscapes, love of chili, and for being the setting for some highly recognizable films and television shows ("Contact" and "Breaking Bad," anyone?) Water, however, isn't something that initially comes to mind when you think of the 47th state. New Mexico is completely landlocked, after all, but that doesn't mean it's completely dry. In actuality, this southwestern state has a number of large bodies of water to enjoy. And one of the most well-known spots for swimming, boating, and fishing is Navajo Lake, a reservoir of stunning blue water that's situated near the town of Farmington, in the northwestern part of the state. 

The San Juan River flows directly from Colorado down into this popular reservoir. Navajo Lake holds two major accolades: For one, it is the deepest inland lake in New Mexico, reaching an impressive depth of more than 380 feet (even deeper than the so-called Bottomless Lakes near Roswell, which only reach a depth of 90 feet). It's also the state's second-largest lake, spanning 15,000 surface acres — truly a sight to behold. 

Also worth noting? The lake's surface elevation reaches 6,016 feet above sea level (with the surrounding Navajo Lake State Park reaching between 5,600 and 6,600 feet. Here's how to experience this incredible reservoir yourself next time you're in New Mexico.

New Mexico is home to a wealth of natural waters, from serene, ethereal blue swimming holes to old-school towns full of hot springs to a slew of cool lakes; cooling off in New Mexico is easier than you might think. One of 35 gorgeous state parks, Navajo Lake State Park receives more than 650,000 visitors each year. Navajo Lake lies, for the most part, inside the park itself, with part of the reservoir's north end crossing the border into Colorado's Navajo State Park. Tourists come from all over looking to enjoy all kinds of water sports, ranging from swimming and boating to wakeboarding and even windsurfing. Canoers, kayakers, jet skiers, and water skiers will also find the lake friendly to them as well.

Fishing, including fly-fishing on the San Juan below the dam, is also quite popular here. Expect to catch brown and rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, bluegill, perch, large and small mouth bass, catfish, crappie, and northern pike on any given day. Trout and salmon fishing, in particular, is said to be best along the base of the Navajo Dam, attracting anglers from all over the world. While plenty of anglers fish from the shoreline, many visitors also rent a fishing boat from one of the lake's two marinas to get right out on the water.

If you'd prefer a fun cruise on the water, pontoon boats are also available for a day of leisure on the lake. It's a beautiful place to enjoy, and getting on a boat can offer a respite from the occasional summer weekend crowds. There's even a 36-foot Fun Ship you can rent at Navajo Lake Marina that features a couple of waterslides plus a grill and a restroom, making it an excellent option for a large group to have a full day on the water.

Outside of enjoying some time on or in the water, there's plenty more to enjoy while hanging out at this inland lake and its state park. Birders will be happy to know they can keep an eye out for numerous feathered friends, from green-winged teal and pine siskin to cliff swallows and white-faced ibis. Other birds that have been spotted here (albeit more rarely) include great egrets, green herons, prairie falcons, and even a greater roadrunner. The hiking is also excellent here, from the easier Cottonwood Campground Nature Trail (just over a mile long) to the more challenging Navajo Lake Shoreline Trail (nearly 7 miles long).

Thanks to New Mexico's 280 days of sunshine, visitors can enjoy Navajo Lake nearly year-round. It's also a popular camping spot, with seven campgrounds and more than 240 campsites to reserve, featuring a wide range of amenities. Camping reservations range from $20 to $45 as of this writing. Those who prefer more isolation can also camp in other areas along the lakeshore and even in the park's canyons.

If you're visiting Navajo Lake from outside New Mexico, you'll want to fly into Albuquerque International Sunport (near Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the U.S.), and then drive 200 miles north. If you happen to be visiting from Denver, however, you can also take a flight into Four Corners Regional Airport in nearby Farmington, which is only an hour away. Looking to add to your New Mexico adventure? Check out the nearby Valley of Dreams, home to some of the most out-of-this-world hiking trails.