Bottomless Lakes State Park, just east of Roswell, New Mexico, invites hikers and explorers to engage with a landscape shaped by water and legend. Unlike what the name suggests, these 'bottomless' lakes are deep sinkholes filled with blue-green waters that seem to challenge you to peer into their mysterious depths. Each step on the marked trails reveals varied terrain — from scrubby desert expanses to pockets of cottonwood shade, where the wind tells stories in the bending branches.

Start your hike on the Meadow Trail, a manageable 2-mile loop with gentle elevation changes totaling around 200 feet. The path winds alongside Lea Lake and the shimmering Devil’s Inkwell, a pool steeped in local lore about spirits and disappearances. Here, the water dares you to imagine its secrets while dragonflies flit overhead. Underfoot, the sandy trails resist your boots’ grip, forcing steady footing but never overwhelming.

Prepare for changing desert temperatures: morning hikes offer crisp, clean air and a calm lake surface perfect for observing reflections of the sky and cliffs. Midday warmth calls for hydration breaks under scattered junipers. The park’s unyielding sun demands sunscreen and durable hats, as shade is rare between lake viewpoints. Watch for occasional bursts of wind that shove dust and small twigs, reminding you that nature here has its own rhythm and authority.

Beyond the lakes, the park’s rugged trails explore the limestone cliffs and wildlife habitats shaped by artesian springs feeding these ancient sinkholes. Be alert for rabbits and coyotes that pause cautiously along the way, part of the park’s silent community. A local legend tells of a submerged lost village beneath one lake’s depths, adding a mysterious hum to the water’s quiet surface.

For planning, the park offers camping facilities if you choose to extend your visit and explore at sunrise, when the colors are sharp and shadows long. Day visitors should arrive early to secure parking and enjoy cooler air. Sturdy footwear is a must — expect some loose gravel and uneven rock. Carry at least two liters of water per person, and bring insect repellent for late afternoon.

Hiking Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a blend of accessible adventure and striking natural beauty, with an edge of local folklore to deepen your connection to the land. It’s a quietly compelling destination for anyone looking to engage with New Mexico’s less obvious wonders, where the water’s depths invite curiosity and respect rather than conquest.