Lake Roberts is a tranquil little trout lake tucked into the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico – a scenic 70-acre lake in the Mimbres high country on the road to the famous Gila Cliff Dwellings. Cool, pine-ringed and quiet, it’s a beloved spot for trout fishing, camping and a peaceful escape into one of the wildest regions in the Southwest.
This guide covers Lake Roberts: the fishing, the Gila setting, and access. It’s part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Lake Roberts at a glance
- Surface area: ~70 acres in the Gila National Forest
- Location: Grant County, southwest New Mexico (near Mimbres & Silver City)
- Top fish: rainbow trout (stocked), largemouth bass, channel catfish
Fishing Lake Roberts
Lake Roberts is a popular trout lake, stocked with rainbow trout and also holding largemouth bass and channel catfish. A New Mexico fishing license is required. The cool, clear water and quiet, no-wake setting make it ideal for fishing from the bank, float tubes, kayaks and small boats – a relaxed, family-friendly spot that fishes well much of the year.
The Gila setting
Surrounded by the pine-and-juniper hills of the Gila National Forest, Lake Roberts has Forest Service campgrounds, picnic areas and trails, and a couple of small lodges nearby. It sits on the scenic route to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – cliffside homes built by the Mogollon people some 700 years ago – making the lake a perfect basecamp for exploring the Gila high country, hot springs and wilderness.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Roberts is on NM-35 in the Mimbres Valley, about 45 minutes northeast of Silver City in southwest New Mexico. The Gila Cliff Dwellings, the Gila Wilderness and the Mimbres archaeological sites are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Quiet lake: no-wake water – ideal for paddling and bank fishing.
- Pair with the cliff dwellings: a great basecamp for the Gila high country.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Roberts?
Stocked rainbow trout, plus largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Is Lake Roberts near the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
Yes – it’s on the scenic route (NM-35) to Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, making it a popular basecamp.
Where is Lake Roberts?
In Grant County, southwest New Mexico, on NM-35 in the Mimbres Valley, about 45 minutes northeast of Silver City.
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.
