OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lakes
To the casual observer Tucumcari may seem an unlikely place for boating. But located just 32 miles from the city on scenic highway 104 is the water wonderland of Conchas Lake State Park.
Conchas Dam, constructed by the Corps of Engineers on the Canadian River, and the park offers an array of amenities including the Conchas Lake Airport, picnicking and camping facilities, a marina, store with bait, tackle, and food supplies, and boat ramps.
The picturesque lake is popular for an array of water sports activities including boating and water-skiing. Anglers fish for walleye, blue gill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie.
UTE LAKE STATE PARK
Ute Lake State Park is located 25 miles to the northeast on U.S. 54. At almost 13 miles long, it is one of New Mexico’s longest lakes. Scenic and secluded coves make the lake quite popular with boaters and campers. Abundant wildlife, hiking and mountain bike trails, and old-fashioned swimming holes make Ute Lake a true desert oasis.
There are more than 130 developed camping sites, some with electric hookup, and an RV dump station. There is also a visitor center, marina, large picnic shelter ideal for groups, and showers.
GOLF
Tucumcari is full of surprises. Did you know that the city has not one, but two, challenging golf courses?
Designed by Dr. T.B. Hoover the Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course opened in 1948. Established in 2009 is the Nicklaus Design championship 12 Shores course at Ute Lake. Amenities at the 12 Shores Golf Club include a well-stocked golf shop. There is also a grill above the 9th hole with a patio that provides panoramic views of the lake and south to Liberty Mesa.
The Robert Lumpkin Disc Golf Course is a challenging blend of long and short holes in a scenic desert landscape with panoramic views of mesas. The course is located at Five Mile Park that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 along Route 66.
Established as the Metropolitan Park Bathhouse and Pool, the complex contained one of the largest swimming pools in the state as well as a bathhouse, a campground and playground. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
