Cochiti Lake's Eastern Access Reinstated
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Head to Cochiti Lake, a gem nestled near Albuquerque, for a quick splash of adventure in the arid Southwest. Water excursions don't get more appealing!
You'll find this curiosity about halfway between Santa Fe and Albuquerque off Interstate 25, with trusty brown recreation signs guiding the way. Did you know Cochiti Dam is one of the top ten largest earthfill dams in the U.S.? Yep, recreation.gov has the scoop!
"It's one of the four units for flood and sediment control on the Rio Grande, teaming up with Galisteo, Jemez Canyon, and Abiquiu Dams," it says.
And, it presents you with two fabulous sides to unwind.
On the west side, adjacent to Cochiti village, expect a campground boasting hookups, a visitor's center, jaw-dropping lake views, hiking paths, a boat ramp, and a delightful swimming beach. If fishing's your thing, a New Mexico fishing license will grant you access (just remember, no furry friends at the swimming beach!)
A word of caution: sometimes algae crops up on the lake, especially in warmer months. Keep your kids and pets away from this slimy, green monster, as park signs advise.
On the flip side, the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area greets you on the east side. This spot showcases a campground and dirt road access right to the water. The Tetilla area reopened for the season on April 15 after winter's chill, and thankfully, dogs can join the beach fun!
Alas, Tetilla is currently dealing with a water outage. The Army Corps of Engineers recommends carrying all the liquid you'll need for your visit, including drinking water, since faucets might be empty.
Both areas offer boat ramps to splash into your watercraft adventure.
Normal, drive-up camping with cash payments aren't available day-of. Instead, daily recreation passes can be grabbed at the entrance for $5 (only via card), but campers gotta reserve spots online at recreation.gov. You'll need a usable cellphone signal to score that sweet campsite if it's still vacant. Sites cost $20, plus fees, with electric, or $15 for more basic areas complete with a picnic table and fire ring.
No fire restrictions reign here yet, but wood-burning fires are off-limits at all times.
These campgrounds are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who also look after the dam and regulate its release of water.
Cochiti Lake is only about 50 miles from Albuquerque, but the route cuts through the Pueblo de Cochiti lands. Watch your speed, as the road transitions from 55 mph to as low as 30 mph in spots; pueblo cops are always on patrol to control speeding motorists!
The lake rests among the Pueblo de Cochiti, and access to other outdoor spaces like the Dome Wilderness, U.S. Forest Service roads, and Bureau of Land Management spots is no longer accessible from the Cochiti Highway. Sorry folks, no parking and hiking along the highway into the wilderness. However, the Cochiti Golf Course offers breathtaking views of the Dome Wilderness while you golf or grab a bite to eat in the restaurant. Just know that the Cochiti Highway eventually dead-ends past the golf course, and gates warn trespassers to stay off of tribal lands.
Once the Dixon Apple Orchard stretched across this area in the '40s, but fires, floods, and eventual return to the Pueblo de Cochiti in 2016 erased its presence. You can't explore the spillway below the dam in Peña Blanca, as the area is blocked off due to the 9/11 attacks and subsequent federal guidelines.
May 2023 saw some flooding near the picnic grounds and boat ramp, but cleanup and restoration efforts have since transpired.
Here's the scoop on lake regulations: it's a no-wake zone, meaning vessels must plod along slowly while keeping steering in check. Alas, you must leave your alcoholic refreshments at home and fill coolers with picnic goodies and beverages sans alcohol.
Got any general queries or concerns? Drop us a line at web@our website!
- For those interested in arts and lifestyle, the Cochiti Lake area offers a visitor's center on the west side, providing insights about the local culture and history.
- If you're a news enthusiast, you might want to know that the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area on the east side, which allows pets on the beach and has recently reopened after winter, is currently experiencing a water outage.
- For travel busters planning a trip, remember that Cochiti Lake, besides offering excellent options for outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts through camping and water activities, is home to the Cochiti Golf Course, providing a unique blend of travel, sports, and scenic beauty.
