If you’ve never been to the Bottomless Lake State Park near Roswell, this summer would be a great time to visit. Its a popular place for many people who call Southeastern New Mexico home.

These small lakes are intriguing to say the least. Being named New Mexico’s first National Park with such an intriguing history made us curious what the story was behind these elusive water holes! So, we set out to find out what the mystery is behind these lakes with no bottom!

When cowboys were exploring the Wild West, they came across these nine lakes. In an attempt to get to know the land, they cut giant pieces of rope to try to measure how deep these bodies of water were.

No luck.

They then tried tying several long pieces of rope together and they still couldn’t reach the bottom. They couldn’t even see the bottom. Was there a bottom at all?

Legends shared among locals tell of objects going missing in the lakes. They weren’t gone forever though, because eventually these items would wash up later in the Carlsbad Caverns or Gulf of Mexico. Other locals warn of strong underwater currents that suck up swimmers and divers, never to be seen again. There are even some stories about a giant turtle monster who patrols the bottom of the lake.

The place was given the quite ominous name of Bottomless Lakes State Park — although it’s not exactly true.

The park’s nine lakes are not actually lakes, and they are not actually bottomless.

Did you know that?

These small water holes are actually sinkholes filled with water! By definition, a sinkhole “is a cavity in the ground, caused by water erosion and providing a route for surface water to disappear underground.” These mysterious sinkholes range from 17 to 90 feet deep. It’s the unique blue-green color of underwater plants that makes the bodies of water look endless. The endless view is merely an illusion.

Anybody can visit eight of the nine lakes. However, only one (Lake Lea) permits swimming. Lake Lea has a surface area of about 15 acres and plummets to depths of 90 feet. This makes it perfect for scuba diving (but you must be certified).

At the bottom of the lake, yes, at the bottom, divers can partake in a game of underwater poker, view what is called the “Mecca” (a large group of springs below the lakes’ surfaces), or even spot some endangered fish species.

Those who would rather keep their feet on land can hike trails, go birdwatching, or compete in a sand sculpture contest on the Lake Lea beach. It’s a beach in the middle of the dry land surrounding Southeastern New Mexico.

As a little tidbit extra, the park has campgrounds open mid-May through Labor Day and these campgrounds are accessible for only $5/day! It’s a great weekend getaway for your family.