Fenton Lake State Park, State park in Jemez Mountains, New Mexico, US.
Fenton Lake State Park is a state park in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, built around a mountain lake sitting at roughly 7,650 feet (2,330 m) above sea level. Dense pine forest covers most of the land, with natural shorelines, wooded trails, and open areas for outdoor activities.
The park was established in 1984 by the Department of Game and Fish as a recreation area for people across the region. New facilities were added over the years as more visitors began coming to the mountains for outdoor activities.
The lake is a popular spot for trout fishing, drawing people who come for a quiet day on the water. Locals and visitors alike treat it as a place to slow down and spend time outdoors with family or friends.
Mountain weather here can shift quickly, so it is worth bringing layers and rain gear even on a clear day. The park has camping areas, a boat launch, and trails that vary in difficulty, making it accessible for most visitors.
The Hal Baxter Memorial Trail turns into a cross-country skiing and biathlon training course in winter, used by athletes who come specifically for the high elevation and reliable snow. This makes the park one of the few places in New Mexico where competitive winter sports training takes place.
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