Snow Lake is a remote little trout lake deep in the Gila country of southwestern New Mexico – a 90-acre reservoir at the northern edge of the Gila Wilderness, the world’s first designated wilderness. Stocked with rainbow trout and surrounded by forest and the wild Gila high country, it’s a quiet, scenic destination for anglers, paddlers and backpackers far from the nearest town. This guide is part of our growing New Mexico Lakes Database.
Snow Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~90 acres
- Depth: a small mountain reservoir (about 570 acre-feet of storage)
- Elevation: ~7,400 ft, in the Gila National Forest
- Location: Catron County, about 30 miles from Reserve (north edge of the Gila Wilderness)
- Top fish: rainbow trout (stocked), bluegill, carp
A gateway to the Gila Wilderness
Snow Lake sits at the northern edge of the Gila Wilderness – created in 1924 as the world’s first designated wilderness – in the vast, wild Gila National Forest. The lake is a trailhead and basecamp for backpackers heading into the Middle Fork country, and its remote, forested setting (about 30 miles of mostly gravel road from Reserve) keeps it peaceful. The wider Gila region is famous for its huge range of elevations, where you can fish for trout in the morning and bass or catfish lower down.
Fishing Snow Lake
Snow Lake is managed as a trout lake, stocked with rainbow trout three times a year (early spring, late spring and fall) by New Mexico Game and Fish; it also holds bluegill and carp. A New Mexico fishing license is required. Boats are limited to oars or electric motors, keeping the little lake quiet for fishing from the bank, float tubes and small craft.
Camping and recreation
The Snow Lake Recreation Area in the Gila National Forest offers a campground, boat access and trails into the wilderness. Camping, fishing, paddling, hiking and backpacking are the draws, in a genuinely remote setting – come prepared, with supplies and fuel, as services are far away. There’s no developed swim beach; it’s a fishing-and-camping lake.
Water level
As a small mountain reservoir, Snow Lake’s level varies with snowmelt and the season. Check conditions and road access before a trip.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Snow Lake is about 30 miles from Reserve in Catron County, southwestern New Mexico, via forest roads in the Gila National Forest. The Gila Wilderness, the Gila Cliff Dwellings and Quemado Lake are in the broader region.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: a New Mexico license is required.
- Remote: gravel-road access far from any town – bring supplies and fuel.
- Non-gas boats only: oars or electric motors.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Snow Lake?
Stocked rainbow trout, plus bluegill and carp.
Can you camp at Snow Lake?
Yes – the Snow Lake Recreation Area in the Gila National Forest has a campground, boat access and trails into the Gila Wilderness.
Where is Snow Lake?
In Catron County, southwestern New Mexico, about 30 miles from Reserve at the north edge of the Gila Wilderness.
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.
