Conchas Lake, body of water
Conchas Lake is a large reservoir in northeastern New Mexico, stretching about 25 miles behind a dam on the Canadian River. The water covers nearly 10,000 acres at an elevation of around 4,200 feet, surrounded by flat terrain with gentle hills.
The dam was built in 1939 as a project for water management and flood control. It is one of the oldest dams in the state and was created during the Depression era to prevent floods and provide water for agriculture.
The lake serves as a gathering place for local communities, especially during weekends and summer months. It draws people who value the quiet setting and enjoy watching wildlife or walking along the shoreline.
The park has two sections with boat ramps in each area, making boating and fishing easy to access. You will find picnic tables, camping spots, and restroom facilities, with the park located about 29 miles northwest of Tucumcari and simple to reach.
The area contains rock layers from the Chinle Formation dating about 220 million years old, showing colorful bands of mudstone, sandstone, and silt. These layers tell the story of ancient rivers and wet and dry periods that visitors can explore in the rock formations.
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