New Mexico's Hidden Gem Oasis Is A State Park On A Long Lake With Water Recreation And Canyons In The Desert

Outdoor recreation and beautiful nature go hand in hand in New Mexico, where you can soak in hot springs by the gorgeous canyon of the Rio Grande. You can also strap on your hiking boots and tackle New Mexico's highest peak with alpine lakes and forests. But if you prefer to spend your summer days by the water, there's one local hotspot that shouldn't be overlooked — Ute Lake State Park. This destination is considered a hidden gem, because although it gets plenty of locals frolicking in its calm waters, you won't see too many other tourists along its shores. At least for now. 

Ute Lake is actually a reservoir along the Canadian River. It boasts around 13 miles of picturesque shoreline, so you can usually escape the crowds here and enjoy a more private day out by the water. As you would expect, water recreation isn't hard to find. Boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing are all part of the lake's allure. When it comes to fishing, you can reel in various game species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish. The lake's five boat ramps and marina make it easy to get out on the water without much fuss.

Of course, fishing isn't for everyone. Fortunately, there are plenty of activities on offer for young and old. People often get out on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, while the covered playground is great for kids. There are also various shaded picnic areas around the state park with tables and benches. On those warm and sunny days, you may simply want to stretch out on one of the beaches or along the grassy shoreline and take intermittent dips into the calm, blue water to cool off between chapters in your book or a snack from your picnic basket.

You can still enjoy Ute Lake State Park when the weather's cooler. This is when you can swap your swimming trunks for hiking boots and explore the desert canyons in the surrounding rugged landscapes. Ute Lake Nature Trail is a network of hiking routes of varying lengths that guides you through the desert and along the dramatic canyon overlooking Ute Lake. The trails branch off at various points and lead to lookouts with spectacular lake vistas and benches for taking a breather.

Expect to walk around 1.75 to 2 miles with a low grade of difficulty. Always remember to pack plenty of water and wear sun-protective clothing. There are picnic shelters at certain spots along the way, so you could also bring some snacks along and really take your time. You may see a few people out on mountain bikes, which is another great option if you're not too keen on hiking. The rocky terrain and lack of shade can be a bit arduous for some, but if you have appropriate clothing, you should be okay.

Camping here is possible if you want to extend your stay. You'll need to reserve your campsite online ahead of time with New Mexico State Parks. Fortunately, there seems to be ample space for campers and people in RVs. Some sites include water and electricity, while others are primitive. There are also a few campgrounds where you don't have to reserve a site, but all of these are primitive. You also have access to restrooms and showers within the state park. Ute Lake State Park is about three hours from Albuquerque or under two hours from Amarillo, which is a top Route 66 pit stop with a scenic canyon.