Conchas
Conchas is located in San Miguel County. The terrain of San Miguel County varies widely from 11,800 foot peaks in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the western portion to broad, flat plains of less than 4,000 feet in the east. Between the mountains and the plains is another distinct region known as the Las Vegas Plateau, while Glorieta Mesa in the southwestern corner represents still another distinct zone. The sources of the Pecos River and its tributaries are located in the Sangre de Cristos and flow in a southeasterly direction. The Canadian River has been dammed to form Conchas Reservoir.
Conchas Lake State Park
This large and beautiful body of water is just 60 miles from Las Vegas off Hwy 104. With an overall length of 25 miles and more than 60 miles of varied shoreline, the clear, blue-green water of Conchas Lake offers anglers and boaters alike a unique experience. Windsurfers, swimmers, snorklers and land-bound anglers should find the "south" and "central" areas hard to beat.
With dozens of camping sites at or near the water's edge, many with shelters, access is barely a stone's throw away. Rock formations and underwater cliffs near the dam offer divers and snorklers the opportunity of adventure just outside their camp.
Shallow, tapering flats, which make great swimming areas for young and old, also give bank-fishermen the chance to cool off from the hot sun during the day and provide excellent night fishing for catfish or walleye. Conchas has traditionally been known as one of the best walleye and smallmouth bass lakes in the southwest, but an abundance of bass, crappie and bluegill also thrives.
Two modern marinas provide facilities for boating, fishing and water skiing. Camping and picnic facilities are located on the south side of the lake. Full hookups are available on the north side of the lake, where rental cabins, a trailer park with hookups, a marina, a store and a restaurant are also available.
The nine-hole Conchas Lake State Park golf course is 76 miles southeast of Las Vegas and open year round.
Conchas Lake State Park
P.O. Box 976
Conchas Dam, NM 88416
505-868-2270
