Q. We visit family in New Mexico often. We used to drive on Interstate Highway 10 and stop at Balmorhea State Park for a walk or a swim. Lately we’ve taken a more northern route through San Angelo, Big Spring and Roswell. In that area, is there any good place to take a break and hike in the fall or swim in the summer?
A. Bottomless Lakes State Park in eastern New Mexico should offer this family year-round options. They’ll see the state park sign 10 miles east of Roswell where they will turn from US 380 on to NM 409 South. The park entrance is only 3 or 4 miles down that road. The map on the park website shows trails for both hikers and mountain bike riders near this entrance.
During swimming season, they can drive another 3 miles to park headquarters at Lea Lake. There are seven "lakes" in the park, but you can only swim in Lea Lake.
