Swimming Holes in New Mexico
66 natural swimming holes
New Mexico has 66 natural swimming holes in our directory — lakes, rivers, springs scattered from the backcountry to roadside favorites. Favorites include Elephant Butte Lake, McCauley Warm Springs, Spence Hot Springs. Every listing includes location details, fees, reservation info, and safety notes where known. Conditions change with weather and seasons, so always verify before you go.
All New Mexico swimming holes
- Abiquiu Lake
- Bluewater Lake
- Brantley Lake
- Caballo Lake
- Cimarron River (Cimarron Canyon)
- Clayton Lake
- Cochiti Lake
- Conchas Lake
- Coyote Creek State Park
- Eagle Nest Lake
- East Fork Jemez River (Battleship Rock)
- El Vado Lake
- Elephant Butte Lake
- Gila Hot Springs
- Heron Lake
- Lea Lake (Bottomless Lakes State Park)
- McCauley Warm Springs
- Morphy Lake
- Navajo Lake (New Mexico)
- Pecos River (Pecos Canyon)
- Rio Grande (Leasburg Dam)
- Rio Grande (Orilla Verde)
- Rio Grande (Percha State Park)
- Rio Grande (Taos Junction Bridge)
- San Antonio Hot Springs
- Santa Rosa Lake
- Spence Hot Springs
- Storrie Lake
- Sumner Lake
- Ute Lake
- Animas River (Farmington)
- Bill Evans Lake
- Black Rock Hot Springs
- Blue Hole (Santa Rosa)
- Bottomless Lakes (Lea Lake)
- Canadian River (Mills Canyon)
- Fenton Lake
- Gila River (Virden)
- Green Meadow Lake
- Jemez River (Jemez Springs)
- Jordan Hot Springs
- Lake Roberts
- Lightfeather Hot Springs
- Manby Hot Springs
- Middle Fork Gila River
- Middle Fork Hot Springs
- Montezuma Hot Springs
- Oliver Lee Memorial (Dog Canyon)
- Pecos River (Villanueva)
- Quemado Lake
- Red River
- Rio Chama (Big Eddy)
- Rio Grande (Albuquerque Bosque)
- Rio Hondo
- Rio Mora
- San Antonio Creek (Jemez)
- San Francisco Hot Springs
- San Francisco River (Reserve)
- San Juan River (Navajo Dam)
- Santa Cruz Lake
- Sitting Bull Falls
- Turkey Creek (Gila)
- Turkey Creek Hot Springs
- West Fork Gila River
- Whitewater Creek (Catwalk)
- Williams Lake
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit swimming holes in New Mexico?
Most natural swimming holes in New Mexico are at their best from late spring through early fall, when water levels are safe and temperatures are comfortable. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions.
Do New Mexico swimming holes require reservations?
Some do — popular spots increasingly use timed entry or day-use permits. Check each listing's reservation field and the official park link before you go.
Are swimming holes in New Mexico free?
Many are free, but state parks and popular preserves often charge a day-use or parking fee. Each listing shows reported fee info where known.
Are natural swimming holes in New Mexico safe?
Natural water has real risks: no lifeguards, submerged rocks, strong currents, and cold water. Never dive headfirst, check depth, and supervise children closely.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026