Lea Lake, New Mexico

In southeast New Mexico is Lea Lake, one of seven spring-fed bodies of water bordered by high red bluffs in Bottomless Lakes State Park. About 12 miles from Roswell, New Mexico, the lakes’ greenish-blue color creates the illusion that they are bottomless, but in reality they range in depth from 17 feet to 90 feet (5 m to 27 m). Lea Lake is the deepest and the only one in which diving is allowed. Each day about 9 million gallons of water flow through Lea Lake. In 1933 the area was set aside as New Mexico’s first state park. Diving isn’t the only activity enjoyed at the waterhole. During the summer, visitors can rent paddle boards and paddle boats for a small fee, and lifeguards are on duty to watch swimmers. The best diving at Lea Lake is from mid-June through September. During this time a thermocline is formed on the lake bottom where the highest level of spring water inflow occurs. This area of the lake is known as the "Mecca" and offers visibility up to 75 feet (23 m).

Depths to: 90 feet (27 m)

Visibility: 50-75 feet (15-23 m)

Water temperature: 62-68 degrees Fahrenheit (16-20 degrees Celsius)

Aquatic life: Includes two protected species: Pecos pupfish and Mexican tetra; and mosquitofish, rainwater killifish, green sunfish and rainbow trout.

Fees: $4 per vehicle per day. Annual permits cost $20. The overnight camping fee is $10.

On-site amenities: Shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, hot showers, electrical hookups, water hydrant, pump station, parking, playground, bathhouse.

More info: Call the park manager at (505) 624-6058 or visit www.emnrd.state.nm.us/nmparks/pages/parks/bottom/bottom.htm

Open: Gates are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round.

Getting there: Lea Lake is 12 miles east of Roswell in southeast New Mexico. From Roswell, travel east on U.S. 380 to New Mexico 409. Turn south and drive three miles to Bottomless Lakes State Park.