Abiquiu Lake
Abiquiu Lake is a high-desert reservoir nestled in the Canyon de Abiquiu and fed by the Rio Chama. Popular for paddleboarding, fishing, and scenery, it's an accessible stop for outdoor adventurers seeking mesa views and proximity to Ghost Ranch and the El Santuario de Chimayó.
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Geography
| Address | Abiquiu Lake, NM, USARio Chama |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Southwestern United States |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Rio Arriba County |
| City | Abiquiu |
| Postal Code | 87510 |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 36.37 |
| Longitude | -106.45 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMEAbiquiu Lake forms a broad arc across the Rio Chama corridor, about 2 miles upstream of the town of Abiquiu. Created in the mid-20th century as a water supply and recreation site, it offers calm, wind-sheltered waters suitable for kayak paddling, stand-up paddleboarding, and *fishing for species like catfish, bass, and crappie*. The lake is backed by open butte country and pinon-jedar coves, with views across the Santa Fe National Forest and toward landmarks like Pedernal and the masonry remains at Ghost Ranch. Facilities are modest—primarily boat ramps and primitive shoreline access—making it a good base for day trips and picnic outings. Adjacent to the northwest are gravel roads leading toward privately managed boat ramps and dispersed shoreline camping; nearby attractions include Cantonment and culturally significant sites like El Santuario de Chimayó. For longer trips, combine lake activities with cross-country hiking and photographic explorations of the surrounding mesa and canyon landscapes.
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