Eagle Nest
Situated on the North shore of majestic Eagle Nest Lake, Eagle Nest is bursting with Old West culture that includes a western downtown. The main street is less than a mile long, with shops carrying locally-made crafts and fine arts, Indian jewelry, antiques, and much more.
For the ANGLER, Eagle Nest Lake, the newest State Park in New Mexico, has some of the best fishing for trophy Rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon in all the southwest! Adjacent to the 1.6 million acre Carson National Forest, Eagle Nest is a NATURE LOVER’S PARADISE for the camper, backpacker, hiker, or four-wheeler.
Eagle Nest Lake State Park is the newest state park in New Mexico. The 2,200-acre lake boasts some of the finest trophy fishing for Rainbow and Kokanee Salmon in the Southwest. The State Game and Fish Department regularly stock Eagle Nest Lake with trout, salmon, and Snake River Cutthroat.
Anglers can fish from the banks or by boat (boat rentals available) and ice fish in the winter. Ice fishing usually begins in January and the first open water fishing usually starts in April. Stream fishing in nearby Cimarron Canyon State Park also offers a worthwhile challenge to fly and bait anglers. At 8,300 feet in elevation, the park offers a cool retreat from the summer heat for fishermen, boaters, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
An abundance of animals—elk, bear, mule deer, eagles, turkeys, Grouse, and other birds—inhabit the area, making Eagle Nest Lake an ideal location for wildlife viewing. In the winter, ice fishing and snowmobiling are popular sports when ice thickness permits. Snowmobiling is limited to the lake’s surface.
EAGLE NEST is also the headquarters for some of the best big and small game hunting in America. Trophy elk, bear, mountain lion, and deer are taken in both public hunt areas and through professional guide services on private lands throughout the area. For the camper, backpacker, hiker, or four-wheeler, Eagle Nest is adjacent to the 1.6 million-acre Carson National Forest with easy entry to the Wheeler Peak Wilderness area. Wheeler Peak is New Mexico’s tallest mountain (13,161 feet).
The Carson National Forest has hundreds of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. One favorite is the Sundero Del Sol Trail. This is an 11-mile multi-use trail that connects the Villages of Eagle Nest in the north and Angel Fire in the south. This trail provides a beautiful recreational outlet with views of Wheeler Peak and connects to the Eagle Nest Lake State Park.
Come hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or horseback ride and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in all of New Mexico! Main Street in Eagle Nest invites you to stroll and shop all the unique stores that carry locally-made crafts and fine arts, sculpture, sterling silver & Indian jewelry, antiques, pottery, candies, fudge, clothing, souvenirs, T-shirts, and much more. Visitors can take a break from shopping in one of the down-home restaurants or grab a cappuccino before heading out for more!