New Mexico may have fewer square miles of surface water than any other state but there are still numerous places to take a dip. From waterfalls to lakes and pools, here are six of the best New Mexico swimming holes where you can beat the heat on a hot desert day. Maybe you can visit them all this summer!

1. Sitting Bull Falls
Yelp/Angie C.
Sitting Bull Falls, New Mexico 88220, USA
Soulless/Google Local
Sitting Bull Falls is located in a beautiful part of the Lincoln National Forest, near Carlsbad. There are several natural pools you can cool off in, including one under the waterfall itself. Just watch out for slippery rocks. Get more information on one of the best swimming holes in New Mexico on the USDA website.

Check out this video by @NewMexicoTrue:
2. Bottomless Lakes State Park
Yelp/Bianca F.
Bottomless Lakes State Park, 545A Bottomless Lakes Rd, Roswell, NM 88201, USA
Yelp/Karla M.
Close to Roswell, you’ll find Bottomless Lakes State Park where you can swim in sinkholes up to 90 feet deep. Motorized boats aren’t allowed, which makes swimming more enjoyable. For more fun on the water, you can also rent paddle boats or paddle boards. Get more information on the EMNRD website.
3. The Blue Hole
Yelp/Ernesto L.
The Blue Hole, 1085 Blue Hole Rd, Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA
Yelp/Ashley J.
The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa is not just for scuba divers; it’s also great for swimmers. The water is incredibly clear because it passes through the Blue Hole at a rate of 3000 gallons per minute, meaning that there is completely new water every six hours. Leap from the rocks without fear of hitting the bottom – it’s 81 feet below the surface of the water. Get more information on one of the most incredible places to swim in New Mexico on the Santa Rosa Blue Hole website.

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4. Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Yelp/ Heather P.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, 101 NM-195, Elephant Butte, NM 87935, USA
Yelp/Emari H.
As the largest state park in New Mexico, Elephant Butte Lake is ideal for most watersports, including swimming. The water off the sandy beaches is shallow, so it’s definitely kid-friendly. Get more information on the EMNRD website.
5. Abiquiú Lake
Flickr/Jared Tarbell
Abiquiu Lake, New Mexico 87017, USA
Flickr/IberianExplorer
This 4,000-acre lake is actually a reservoir, located near the town of Abiquiú. The red rocks surrounding this lake make for a memorable swimming experience. Get more information on one of the most magnificent swimming holes in New Mexico on the US Army Corps of Engineers website.

Check out this video by @inkagoldmusic:
6. The Jemez Falls Area
Flickr/kristi welton-kidder
Jemez Falls, New Mexico 87025, USA
Yelp/Cherie O.
Above Jemez Falls lies a shallow pool that's a popular place take a dip. You can also continue on to McCauley Hot Springs from here. The temperature in those pools is usually warm rather than hot, so it's still enjoyable during the summer months. Get more information on the USDA website.

Check out this video by @Knate:

Did we mention your favorite spot to take a dip? We know this is a partial list of the best New Mexico swimming holes, so tell us where you like to swim during the summer. However, I think any of these swimming holes would be refreshing! If you want to have more great outdoor adventures in New Mexico, follow the link for a great idea.

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Best Swimming Holes In New Mexico

Leah | March 28, 2020

What is the weather like in New Mexico in the summer?

Here's what the weather is like in New Mexico in the summer:

  • It's important to remember that New Mexico is heavily covered by arid deserts and it can get pretty hot in the summer.
  • On some days, the temperature is over 100°F and the sun is blazing down. If you're going swimming in a natural pool, even if you're cooling off in the water you'll still be outdoors and in the sun, so be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and bring an ample amount of drinking water.
  • The higher you go in altitude the lower the temperature often is, so if you're in the mountains or in northern New Mexico, it may be cooler than down in the desert valleys.
  • Desert nights are often a bit cooler in the summer.

 

Can I camp right on the water in New Mexico?

Here are a few places to camp on the water in New Mexico:

  • Cochiti Recreation Area
  • Caballo Lake State Park
  • El Vado Lake State Park

 

Check out some of the best lakeside camping in New Mexico.

Where can I find the bluest water in New Mexico?

The bluest water in New Mexico can be found at The Blue Hole. It is definitely the most stunning blue! Its name is certainly fitting for the deep turquoise color. The pool is over 80 feet deep with amazingly clear and pristine water. It doesn't get much deeper blue and fun than The Blue Hole in Santa Rosa!

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