Outdoor guide: Eagle Nest Lake State Park

Eagle Nest Lake State Park

• Location: Eagle Nest is 160 miles northeast of Albuquerque. It is located 4 hours and 50 minutes or 293 miles from Portales. It is 5 hours and 20 minutes or 313 miles from Clovis.

• Directions: Take W. Fir ST./N.M.-267 for 32 miles. Turn left onto US-60/US-84/E Denby Ave. for 37 miles to Fort Sumner. Turn right at 4th St./US-84 for 42 miles and merge onto I-40 W. toward Albuquerque for 20 miles. Take exit 256/US-84 and turn right onto US-84 for 42 miles. Merge onto I-25 N. toward Las Vegas for 79 miles and take N.M.-58 W/Exit 419 and turn left onto N.M.-58 for 19 miles. Turn left onto 10th St./US-64 and follow it for 21.3 miles to Cimarron. From Clovis take US-60/US-84 W. for 57 miles to Fort Sumner and follow the directions above.

• What do they offer: Eagle Nest is set in the scenic Moreno Valley surrounded by two of the state’s highest peaks, Baldy Mountain and Wheeler Peak. The lake is known for its kokanee salmon and rainbow trout fishing. The park is a summer retreat for fishermen, boaters, campers and wildlife enthusiasts due to the abundance of animals, elk, bear, mule deer, eagles, turkeys and other birds. During the winter there’s ice fishing and snowmobiling.

• Of note: Ceineguilla creek day use is closed. The north and south ramps are closed and there’s no boating due to ice.

• Fishing guides and boating: Eagle Nest Marina 377-6941; Moreno Valley Outfitters 595-4000; Pep’s Guiding Service 377-3571.

• Park fees: $5; Bicycle/walk-in free; Bus $15.

• Camping: $8 for primitive site.

• Information: 377-1594 or www.nmparks.com