About Clayton Lake State Park and Dinosaur Trackways - State Parks
Clayton Lake State Park features well-preserved dinosaur trackways near the lake spillway, including some of the finest trail drags in the U.S., and a visitor center highlighting the region’s dinosaur history and geology. The lake is open for non-motorized vessel use such as canoes and kayaks, but the boat ramp is closed and motorized vessels are prohibited due to low water levels and safety concerns; access will resume when water levels improve. The park is designated as New Mexico’s first Dark Sky Park, with Gold-level certification from the International Dark Sky Association, and offers stargazing opportunities enhanced by the Lake Observatory’s 14-inch Mead telescope.
The New Mexico Environment Department warns against water contact due to harmful algae blooms (HABs), which have been confirmed in the lake and may produce toxins posing health risks to people and animals. HABs may appear as blue, green, brown, or red scum on the water’s surface. Visitors should avoid swimming, wading, or ingesting lake water and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.