New Mexico’s pristine beauty and vibrant landscapes are enjoyed at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, the state’s top recreational destination. Its vast expanses draw a wide variety of water enthusiasts, from boaters and jet skiers to paddle boarders and kayakers. PreReal™ Investments recognizes this gem as a recreational and tourism treasure that draws hundreds of thousands of water enthusiasts to the area each year.
Year-round Kayaking and Scenic Beauty
The climate surrounding Elephant Butte Lake, characterized by over 320 days of sunshine per year, is tailor-made for year-round kayaking. With over 200 miles of shoreline and picture-perfect views of mountains and mesas, kayakers enjoy plenty of visual stimuli as they explore the vastness of the lake. The calm waters in the mornings are ideal for a serene kayaking experience, though one can spot enthusiastic kayakers dotting the lake from dawn to dusk.
Options for kayak launching are virtually limitless. Lions Beach, Rock Canyon, and Long Point are popular launch sites, but one can also launch beachside from almost anywhere. The flexibility kayaks offer, with their ability to navigate close to the shore and into the smaller of the many coves, gives kayaks an advantage over larger watercraft.
Gathering with friends for destination kayaking is a fun activity for groups. Imagine paddling to an island or ducking into a cove for a relaxing picnic or swim, fully surrounded by the beauty of nature.
So let’s check out three popular ideas for kayak fun on Elephant Butte Lake!
Diverse Kayaking Experiences
- Kayak Fishing: The sport of kayak fishing has been gaining tremendous momentum, attracting solitary anglers as well as groups of families and friends. Many enjoy participating in the annual kayak bass fishing tournaments at the lake, but others simply enjoy their time alone, angling for crappie, catfish, walleye, stripers and bass.
- Recreational Kayaking: As attested by Russ Trager of Zia Kayak Outfitters, recreational kayaking is also on the upswing. Enthusiasts from New Mexico and neighboring states come to Zia Kayak Outfitters to purchase kayaks, while others head to one of the marinas for rentals. Either way, you’re destined to have a blast exploring the shoreline, coves and open waters.
- Birding by Kayak: Elephant Butte Lake is a birder’s paradise. The stealth of a kayak, combined with its ability to access secluded coves, offers birdwatchers unparalleled opportunities. The lake is teeming with a wide variety of birds, particularly between May and November. Sightings include Western Grebes, Clark’s Grebes, a variety of gulls and terns, cranes, hawks, longspurs, ducks, geese, loons, and white pelicans. Yes, pelicans in the desert! Some of the favorite birding spots include Long Point, South Monticello Point, Three Sisters Point and Rock Canyon.
Choosing the Perfect Kayak
When it comes to choosing a kayak, remember that you can rent one at the lake, but if you’re serious about getting into kayaking, it would be good to stop at Zia Kayak Outfitters in Elephant Butte, the only Hobie Kayak dealer in the state. Owners Russ and Edna Trager are experts in all things kayak and are an exceptional resource regarding where and when to kayak on Elephant Butte Lake.
You’ll learn that there are two types of kayaks – sit inside and sit on top, the latter of which tend to be more stable. Some of these sit-on-top kayaks are designed specifically for fishing. For example, Hobie offers fishing kayaks that are wide and stable, with some stable enough to stand on one side without tipping. These fishing kayaks come “fishing ready” but you’ll also find amazing accessories that include fishing crates for tackle storage, insulated fish coolers designed specifically for kayaks, adjustable paddles for feathering, built-in bungee cords to help secure items, white light/flag poles for safety, fish finders designed for kayaks and so much more. Plus, the Hobie kayaks you’ll find at Zia Kayak Outfitters can be paddled, pedaled, sailed or fitted with a trolling motor. Some models can turn on a dime and can easily go both forward and backward!
You’ll find a variety of choices in Hobie recreational kayaks as well, including single and two-person kayaks which, similar to Hobie fishing kayaks, can be paddled, pedaled, motored, or sailed. And like the fishing kayaks, there are several accessories to choose from, including sun shades to help make your kayak experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
In Conclusion
Elephant Butte Lake, with its picturesque landscape and diverse options to enjoy your kayaking experience, is an exceptional destination for all who wish to explore the lake, connect with nature, and experience birding, fishing or simply relaxing. Whether it’s the serene mornings, the vast shorelines, or the rich biodiversity, there’s something for every kayaker. So, if you haven’t already, take the plunge and let the waters of Elephant Butte Lake be your destination for kayak adventures you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Kayaking on Elephant Butte Lake
- Why is Elephant Butte Lake a great choice for kayaking adventures in New Mexico?
- Elephant Butte Lake offers over 320 sunny days, more than 200 miles of shoreline, and stunning scenic beauty, making it a prime destination for unforgettable kayaking experiences.
- Are kayaks a good choice for fishing at Elephant Butte Lake?
- Absolutely! Quieter than boats and easier to maneuver along the shoreline and into coves, fishing kayaks are designed specifically to help anglers have a distinct advantage over larger watercraft.
- Is Elephant Butte Lake a good choice for recreational kayaking?
- It is! With 320+ days of sunshine per year, miles of coastline and coves to explore, and rentals available from the marinas, literally anyone can experience a relaxing, carefree day on the lake.
· What makes Zia Kayak Outfitters a prime spot for kayak purchases at Elephant Butte?
- Zia Kayak Outfitters is the state’s exclusive Hobie dealer. Their expert guidance, coupled with a wide variety of kayaks and accessories to choose from, make Zia Kayak your #1 kayak destination.
- How do kayaks enhance the bird-watching experience at Elephant Butte Lake?
- Offering stealthy access to secluded coves, kayaks allow birders to approach and observe a rich array of bird species at Elephant Butte Lake, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts.
Dive into a world of adventure at Elephant Butte Lake – where every kayaking journey becomes a cherished memory!
