Fenton Lake

Fenton Lake State Park is in the boonies. In a good way. It can be found a tad over 40 miles northwest of Los Alamos, NM. And that is where the closest grocery store is located, although there is a small general store about 10 miles away. The drive in is curvy but very scenic through the Jemez Mountains and well worth the effort.

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and the occasional brown trout awaits a lucky angler. There is a small boat ramp available but no sails or gas motors are allowed.

The 30 sites are spread out below the dam alongside the creek and meadow. Some can be reserved and if you plan on visiting on a summer weekend I would recommend you make some. Nothing is worse than driving all the way here and seeing this sign.

There are no showers and the restrooms are rustic but clean.

Below is a map of the park.

Let's take a look at some of the campsites.

Numbers one and nine are great examples next to the meadow and can be reserved.

Here is a view from the back of nine.

Not too shabby.

If you must have electricity, there are five of them.

1E and 2E and 5E are first come first served.

3E and 4E can be reserved.

A nice group site is situated near the playground.

Across the dam is a nifty day use shelter.

It comes with a view of the lake.

Speaking of the lake, let's take a look at this spring fed beauty.

 

 

There are a couple of ADA accessible fishing spots.

I took this photo standing on the dam. To the right, the path leads to the day use shelter, to the left, the boat launch area.

But what is a park without people? Boring. Bring on the boats!

And the folks having fun fishing.

It is completely acceptable to wear your pajamas in the morning.

Plenty of room for everyone.

A little help from mom.

I really enjoy seeing kids out camping. Away from the TV and video games.

There is a wonderful trail that Freddy and I walked several times. We would start at our site, 1E, and walk down the road past site 18 and enter the trail at the bridge where the sign is located. It's mostly level, about a two mile loop, and follows the creek through the meadow on the opposite side of the campground.

Several interpretive provide useful information.

The lower rock formation is 1.6 million years old. The upper only 1.2 million.

The lake and park are named for Elijah McClean Fenton Sr., a Presbyterian minister and civil engineer. He came to New Mexico in 1881 as a missionary and was stationed at Jemez pueblo in 1892.

Freddy appreciated all that he did.

 
Yes, it is as amazing in person as in the photos. Several miniature waterfalls provide a soothing aural ambiance.

Don't forget your camera on this trail. In addition to a variety of flowers...

You just might capture an image of a wild beast feeding.

Go here. Stock up on food and beverages first. Ice can be bought 10 miles away. Don't worry about cell service because there is none. Bring the kids and enjoy one of the prettiest spots on earth.

Regards,

Greg and Freddy