Cochiti Lake

Cochiti Lake is a man-made reservoir sitting in high desert terrain, ringed by juniper and pinon forests and the surrounding foothills of the Jemez Mountains. The shoreline features steep banks with sandy and rocky areas, while the broader landscape shifts between open water and dry scrubland.

The Cochiti Dam was built in the early 1970s to create this water body as part of broader water management for the region. It ranks among the ten largest earth-fill dams in the country and continues to shape how water resources are used in this area.

The name originates from the Cochiti Pueblo, a Native American community whose reservation borders encompass the recreational areas of the lake.

The lake has four camping loops open year-round with amenities including electric hookups and water facilities at each location. Weather can shift quickly at this elevation, so visitors should prepare for temperature changes and check conditions before planning outdoor activities.

Four osprey nesting platforms are positioned around the lake where visitors can watch these birds dive and hunt for fish in the water. These structures were installed specifically to support the population of this species in the area.