SANTA FE, N.M. — Historically low water levels and ongoing water management operations are forcing boat ramp closures at several New Mexico state parks, affecting boating access across the state.
The most significant impact is at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, where the main boat ramp has closed as the reservoir has fallen to approximately 1.4% capacity. State Parks officials say receding water levels and newly exposed hazards have made traditional boat launching unsafe.
Despite the closure, Elephant Butte remains open for boating, camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, and other shoreline recreation.
The boating impacts extend beyond Elephant Butte. State Parks officials say:
- Heron Lake State Park: Boat ramps are closed because of extremely low water levels.
- Santa Rosa Lake State Park: The boat ramp is closed after water releases reduced the reservoir from about 40% capacity to roughly 3%.
- El Vado Lake State Park: Boating access is limited, and officials say a ramp closure is expected soon.
- Clayton Lake and Dinosaur Trackways State Park: The main boat ramp has been closed because of low water levels.
State Parks Director Toby Velásquez said officials are continuing to adapt operations as conditions change across New Mexico.
“What we are seeing at Elephant Butte is significant, but our responsibility remains the same; keep people safe, protect the resources entrusted to our care and help visitors understand how they can continue to enjoy their state parks,” Velásquez said in a statement.
Officials noted that while boat ramps may be closed, the parks themselves remain open and continue to offer a variety of recreational opportunities.
The agency says lake conditions and access points are changing rapidly and visitors should expect exposed hazards, shallow water, and altered lake conditions at many reservoirs throughout the state.
