What happened Bonito Lake?

The Bonito Lake project is happening due to damage sustained at the lake following the 2012 Little Bear Fire. The repairs are expected to be completed in Summer 2022, weather permitting. Bonito Lake was damaged in the Little Bear Fire in 2012.

Is Bonito Lake Open 2021?

The area is generally open to the public from April 1 through November 30, depending on the weather. Activities allowed at the lake include fishing, camping and hiking. All noise and music be off at 10 p.m.

Where is Bonito Lake in New Mexico?

Bonito Lake is an alpine reservoir located high in the Sierra Blanca mountains northwest of Ruidoso, New Mexico. It is a popular fishing and camping destination, and although it is surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, it is not a part of the national forest.

What happened to Bonito Lake?

In the Spring of 2012, the Little Bear Fire destroyed most of the native vegetation in the Bonito Lake watershed area. Six weeks later, two major storm events washed hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of forest debris and sediment into Bonito Lake. Subsequent storms in 2012 and 2013 filled the lake with even more debris.

Can you go camping at Bonito Lake?

While there is no camping or fishing at Bonito Lake, you may still hike and bike ride around the lake. Bonito Lake is owned by the City of Alamogordo, NM. Public access to the lake is provided by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Open Gate Program through a memorandum of understanding between the department and the City of Alamogordo, NM.

How do I get access to Ruidoso Lake?

Public access to the lake is provided by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Open Gate Program through a memorandum of understanding between the department and the City of Alamogordo, NM. See below for alternative Ruidoso lake and recreation information.