Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches

International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell, New Mexico.

Click on the street lamp (holding the American flag) to zoom in on the alien! You may want to click again for a real close-up encounter.

Top Secret

Are you heading to Roswell, New Mexico?  If you are, you probably know that when folks head to Roswell, they are often in search of an out-of-this-world experience.  Little green men abound in this thriving city tucked into in the southeastern quarter of the Land of Enchantment. Yep, flying saucers and extra-terrestrial beings are right at home in the high plains of New Mexico. From Roswell’s International UFO Museum & Research Center to its fast food restaurants, from the town’s artfully decorated storefronts to its painted street lamps, intergalactic sightings are the norm in this otherwise (seemingly) typical “All American City.”

You know what would really seem alien in these parts?  A beach!

Lea Lake from the Bluffs, Bottomless Lakes State Park

About fifteen miles southeast of the city of Roswell, you might not find a cover-up, but you may need one (for your bathing suit, that is). Tucked away at an elevation of 3500 feet, you’ll discover 1400 acres of ranch land, salt flats, and stunning red bluffs adorned with seven small green-blue lakes. This is Bottomless Lakes, New Mexico’s first state park.

Lea Lake, Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico

Lea Lake is the only lake in Bottomless Lakes State Park where swimming is allowed. Families love this spot! Greg and I recently stopped by to cool off and enjoy a picnic supper on our way from Albuquerque to Carlsbad, New Mexico. We had an absolute blast here, swimming in the fresh, clean water. The designated family swimming beach was manned by many friendly lifeguards.

Beach at Lea Lake, Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico

Lea Lake’s well maintained sandy beach is bordered by a shaded picnic area and a full shelter building.   Clean restrooms, outdoor showers, pedal boat rentals and a large children’s playground are all nearby.  Besides swimming, scuba diving, paddle boarding, and hiking are popular activities at Lea Lake.  Lovely campsites are very near the beach. The surrounding views are absolutely gorgeous.

View from the Picnic Shelter at Lea Lake

Perhaps the 1947 Roswell Incident visitors were just looking for a place to enjoy a day at the beach. What do you think?

For additional information, the New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources has a wonderful article/geologic tour of Bottomless Lakes State Park. It includes park history, folklore and facts about the “Pecos diamonds” that can be found in the area.

“Dif-tor heh smusma.“  ~Vulcan greeting/blessing

“Live long and prosper.”