Photo coming soon
Outdoor / Natural Site
Bonita Lake
Ruidoso, NM
Bonito City was founded in 1882 as a mining camp following the discovery of silver ore in the area. By the mid-1880s, the town had developed into a proper community with a schoolhouse, three general stores, saloon, post office, hotel, boarding house, blacksmith, and law office. As the gold rush ended and families departed, the town declined into abandonment. In 1930, the government authorized construction of a dam on Bonito Creek to supply water for the railroad. The resulting lake deliberately flooded the remaining structures of Bonito City beneath 40+ feet of water.
$ All Ages
Family: Moderate