Santa Fe Area

Cochiti Lake
Cochiti Lake is located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo regulations. Do not trespass on lands closed to the public. Cochiti Lake is on the Rio Grande, about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth fill dams in the US. It is one of the four units for flood and sediment control on the Rio Grande, operating in conjunction with Galisteo, Jemez Canyon, and Abiquiu Dams.
Directions:
From Santa Fe, S on I-25 to exit 264, W on Hwy 16 and N on Cochiti Hwy (Hwy 22). From Albuquerque, N on I-25 to exit 259, NW on Hwy 22.

North (Abiquiu and Chama Areas)

Abiquiu Reservoir
Located 30 miles north of Espanola, this 5,200 acre surface-area reservoir offers some of the finest fishing in northern New Mexico. The area includes a fine panoramic view of the Cerro Pedernal (Georgia O'Keefe's "favorite mountain") from the dam. Reptile fossils 200 million years old have been found in the area. This 5,200 surface acre reservoir offers some of the finest fishing in northern New Mexico. Reptile fossils 200 million years old have been found in the area. The area includes a fine panoramic view of the Cerro Pedernal from the dam. It is surrounded by red sandstone formations on Hwy 84 and adjacent to historical Pedernal Mountain to the south on Hwy 96.
(505) 685-4433
Abiquiu Reservoir
P.O. Box 290
Abiquiu, NM 87510

El Vado Lake
Located in the northern mountains of New Mexico, El Vado resevoir occupies 3200 acres . El Vado Lakes offers the flat-water paddler a large area to tour whether by kayak or canoe. El Vado is also a large attraction for water skiers as well as fisherman. Unlike Heron Lake, El Vado is not designated a quiet Lake. El Vado occupies the former site of the town of El vado a bustling railroad and timber town in the 1900's. It was the largest town in it's county before the lake. In the winter El Vado is a large habitat for Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks and Ospreys. El Vado Boasts 54 Camp Sites with Hook ups and is located at an elevation of 6900 feet. For more information contact Park Manager Anthony Vasquez at 505-588-7247.

El Vado Lake is located 17 miles southwest of Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico via NM 112