Lake Maloya is the scenic high-country trout lake of Sugarite Canyon State Park, tucked into the volcanic mesas of far northeastern New Mexico right on the Colorado border near Raton. Cool, clear and quiet, surrounded by pine and aspen and the ruins of an old coal-mining camp, it’s a rewarding spot for trout fishing, hiking and a peaceful mountain getaway.
This guide covers Lake Maloya: the fishing, Sugarite Canyon, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Lake Maloya at a glance
- Surface area: ~120 acres at about 7,800 ft, in Sugarite Canyon State Park
- Location: Colfax County, far northeast New Mexico (near Raton, at the Colorado line)
- Top fish: rainbow & brown trout
Fishing Lake Maloya
Lake Maloya is a cold-water trout lake, holding rainbow and brown trout in its clear, high-elevation water. A New Mexico fishing license is required (note the lake straddles the Colorado line – check boundary rules). It’s a no-wake/electric-only lake, ideal for fishing from the bank, float tubes and small craft, and the scenic setting makes for memorable days. Ice fishing is possible in cold winters.
Sugarite Canyon State Park
Sugarite Canyon State Park wraps the lake in a beautiful canyon of basalt cliffs, pine and aspen, with campgrounds, hiking trails and the remains of the early-1900s Sugarite coal camp – an interpreted ghost town that tells the story of the miners who once lived here. Hiking, wildlife watching, fall color and quiet camping round out a visit, with the smaller Lake Alice nearby.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Maloya is northeast of Raton off NM-526 in far northeastern New Mexico, right at the Colorado border, about 15 minutes from Raton and I-25. The historic town of Raton and Capulin Volcano National Monument are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required; the lake straddles the Colorado line, so check rules.
- No-wake lake: electric motors and paddle craft only.
- Best seasons: late spring through fall for trout and hiking; gorgeous in autumn.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Maloya?
Rainbow and brown trout, in cold, clear high-elevation water.
Where is Lake Maloya?
In Sugarite Canyon State Park northeast of Raton, Colfax County, far northeastern New Mexico, at the Colorado line.
Related: explore the small lakes of New Mexico, or head back to the New Mexico Lakes Database.
Explore more New Mexico lakes: the largest lakes in New Mexico and the deepest lakes in New Mexico.
