Lake Maloya

Northeast of Raton, New Mexico, in Sugarite Canyon State Park, on the boundary between New Mexico and Colorado, lies a reservoir known as Lake Maloya. The city and its surrounding areas get their water primarily from this source. The lake's surface is 7,516 feet above sea level when it is full.

Here, you can go kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing. On the New Mexico side, there is only one public boat ramp from which people can enter the lake.

Birdwatchers have long made Lake Maloya a favorite location. Some of the birds that can be observed near the lake are belted kingfishers, ospreys, Canada geese, bald eagles, Western grebes, and great-horned owls.

There is also a variety of fauna along the shoreline of Lake Maloya. The west side of Lake Maloya offers year-round viewing of cottontail rabbits. Raccoon, porcupine, short-tailed weasel, Albert, Douglas, rock squirrels, least chipmunk, striped skunk, and tiny brown bat are some additional wildlife species that call this area home.

Location: Colfax County, New Mexico