Cochiti Lake to reopen January 4, 2021

Published Dec. 21, 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, NMThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Albuquerque District announced Dec. 21, 2020, that Cochiti Lake is scheduled to reopen for day use beginning Jan. 4, 2021.

 

“We are excited to open up some recreation opportunities and grateful for our relationship with the Pueblo de Cochiti. We rely on our guests to follow our rules and respect the Pueblo so we can continue to operate in a safe and respectful manner,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Stevens, commander, USACE-Albuquerque District.

 

The lake will be open for day use recreation including fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking. The new procedures to enter the lake are outline below:

 

Lake entry:

Visitors to the lake will need to make a reservation by purchasing a ticket at least 24 hours in advance through www.recreation.gov. The website will be open to make reservations on Dec. 23, 2020, for dates starting Jan. 4, 2021.

 

Tickets and reservations will NOT be sold at the lake. The ticket cost consists of a $3.00 personal vehicle fee and a $2.00 non-refundable reservation fee, for a total of $5.00. The cost of the ticket is the day use fee and applies to entry to the park.

 

Passes:

Interagency passes will be accepted through www.recreation.gov. The visitor(s) will have to present them upon arrival at the lake. This option can be chosen at the time of ticket purchase. 

 

Boating:

The boat ramp will be open. All New Mexico State rules related to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) will be adhered to, and staff will be monitoring for compliance. The rules and regulations surrounding watercraft will remain unchanged. Cochiti Lake is still a no-wake lake. 

 

Camping:

The campgrounds remain closed at this time.

 

Visitor center:

The main office/visitor center is open for phone calls but remains closed for public walk-ins at this time.

 

Miscellaneous information:

Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own personal floatation devices and lifejackets as the Loaner Life Jacket program is not in operation at this time.

 

The USACE-Albuquerque District reminds the public that Cochiti Lake is a no-alcohol facility.

 

State guidelines regarding COVID-19 (such as social distancing, the use of face masks, and group-size limitations) apply while visiting USACE-managed recreation areas.

 

For information about lake operations and recreation statuses at other USACE-Albuquerque District lakes including Abiquiu, Conchas, Cochiti, John Martin, Santa Rosa, and Trinidad lakes, please visit: http://www.spa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/Updates/

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Release no. 20-114