Okay, here's a destination guide for tourists visiting Bottomless Lakes State Park in New Mexico. I'll craft it to be engaging, informative, and visually appealing, imagining it as a brochure or handout you might find at a visitor center.

Destination Guide: Bottomless Lakes State Park, New Mexico

(Image: A panoramic shot of one of the lakes, reflecting the sky and surrounding cliffs. Make sure it's a 1600x1061 landscape image, or be prepared to crop it.)

Welcome to Bottomless Lakes State Park!

Discover a hidden oasis in the heart of the New Mexico desert. Don't let the name fool you – these aren't bottomless! But these stunning, unusually deep sinkholes, known as cenotes, offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and tranquility that will captivate you. Formed by the collapse of underground caverns and dissolved gypsum, these seven lakes are some of the most unique in the United States. Enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, from swimming and kayaking to hiking and camping, all while taking in the breathtaking desert landscape.

Location: Located just southeast of Roswell, New Mexico, easily accessible off Highway 380. GPS Coordinates: 33.2371° N, 104.1826° W

Park Information:

• Park Hours: Open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset.
• Entrance Fee: Yes, a day-use fee is required. New Mexico State Parks passes are accepted.
• Visitor Center: Located near the park entrance, offering information, maps, souvenirs, and restrooms.
• Camping: Available at the well-maintained campground (reservations recommended, especially during peak season).
• Pets: Allowed on leashes. Please clean up after your pets.
• Facilities: Restrooms, showers (at the campground), picnic areas, boat rentals (seasonal), and hiking trails.

(Image: A collage of 3-4 smaller images showing different activities: Swimming in a designated area, a kayaker on a lake, a family picnicking, and a shot of the desert landscape with a hiking trail.)

The Lakes:

Each lake has its own distinct character and charm:

• Lea Lake: The most popular lake for swimming, with a sandy beach and designated swimming area. Great for families.
• Mirror Lake: Known for its stunning reflections of the surrounding cliffs and sky. Perfect for photography.
• Cottonwood Lake: A tranquil lake surrounded by cottonwood trees, ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
• Figure Eight Lake: Shaped like its namesake, a peaceful spot for birdwatching and nature observation.
• Devil's Inkwell: The smallest lake, known for its dark, mysterious waters (caused by algae and minerals).
• Dimmitt Lake: A more secluded lake, popular with anglers.
• Pecos River Sink: A unique feature where the Pecos River disappears into the ground!

Things To Do:

• Swimming: Lea Lake offers the best swimming experience. Be aware that the water can be cool, even in summer.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the lakes at your own pace. Enjoy the serenity and observe the wildlife.
• Hiking: Explore the park's network of trails, offering varying levels of difficulty. Enjoy panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding desert. Be sure to bring water and wear appropriate footwear.
• Fishing: Dimmitt Lake is stocked with fish. A New Mexico fishing license is required.
• Birdwatching: The park is a haven for birdlife, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors. Bring your binoculars!
• Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas. Several locations offer stunning views.
• Camping: Spend a night or two under the stars at the park's well-equipped campground. Reservations are highly recommended.
• Photography: Capture the beauty of the lakes, the cliffs, and the desert landscape. Mirror Lake and Cottonwood Lake are especially photogenic.
• Stargazing: The clear night skies of New Mexico provide excellent stargazing opportunities.
• Roswell Visit: Make a day trip to the nearby city of Roswell, famous for its UFO history.

(Image: A close-up shot of the red cliffs surrounding the lakes, highlighting the texture and color. Alternatively, an image of a unique geological feature within the park.)

Tips for Your Visit:

• Hydration: The desert environment can be very dry. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and water shoes for swimming or kayaking.
• Reservations: Book your campsite in advance, especially during peak season.
• Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. The desert can get very hot during the day and cool at night.
• Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Respect the environment and leave it as you found it.
• Altitude: Bottomless Lakes State Park sits at an elevation of approximately 3,600 feet. Take it easy on your first day and avoid strenuous activity until you acclimatize.

Safety:

• Swimming: Swim only in designated areas. Be aware of the water temperature and depth.
• Hiking: Stay on marked trails. Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for wildlife, including snakes and scorpions.
• Wildlife: Do not approach or feed wildlife.
• Weather: Be aware of the weather forecast and take precautions accordingly.
• Emergency: In case of emergency, call 911.

(Image: A map of the park, clearly showing the location of the lakes, trails, campground, visitor center, and other points of interest.)

Contact Information:

Bottomless Lakes State Park 545 Bottomless Lakes Rd. Roswell, NM 88205 Phone: (575) 624-6058 Website: [Link to the New Mexico State Parks website]

Enjoy your adventure at Bottomless Lakes State Park!

Key Improvements and Considerations:

• Visual Appeal: The key to a great destination guide is visual appeal. The images need to be high-quality and compelling. Think about color balance, composition, and showcasing the unique aspects of the park.
• Conciseness: Keep the text concise and easy to read. Use bullet points and short paragraphs.
• Target Audience: The guide is geared towards tourists, so the language should be accessible and avoid jargon.
• Practical Information: Provide all the essential information that visitors need to plan their trip.
• Call to Action: Encourage visitors to explore the park and enjoy its many offerings.
• Map: The map is crucial for navigation. Make sure it's clear, accurate, and easy to understand.
• Accessibility: Consider adding information about accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
• Seasonality: If certain activities are only available during certain seasons, mention that.
• Environmental Awareness: Emphasize the importance of responsible tourism and leaving no trace.
• Copyright: Ensure you have the rights to use all images and content in the guide.

This guide gives you a strong foundation. Good luck!