Lake Maloya is a reservoir located in the Sugarite Canyon State Park. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, hiking and camping. The lake is surrounded by pine forests and rocky cliffs, and offers views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The lake was created in 1916 by damming the Little Horse Creek, and has a surface area of about 120 acres. The Sugarite Canyon State Park has several trails that lead to the lake, as well as picnic areas, campsites and a visitor center. Lake Maloya is a great place to enjoy nature and relax in a serene setting.

In June 2011, the Track Fire swept through large areas of this park as well as the adjacent Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area in Colorado. In the years prior to the fire, the City of Raton and the park had conducted extensive thinning of the oak understory and ponderosa woodland in the park to reduce wildfire risk because Lake Maloya is the water supply for the City of Raton. Despite the thinning, the Track Fire was so fast and intense that it burned extensive areas. 

Immediately following the fire, restoration was begun under the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program to protect Raton's primary water source.

Since the fire, the habitat has been recovering. Tracking the progress of that recovery and adaptation of birds to the changing ecosystem will make birding particularly interesting in both this park and the adjacent Lake Dorothey.

Sugarite Canyon State Park, 4,000 acres, offers two lakes, 20 miles of hiking trails, two campgrounds, and the remains of a historic coal camp. The park Visitor Center has year-round feeders that attract resident species. The 120-acre Lake Maloya boasts many waterfowl species. In spring and fall, migrating osprey may be seen fishing. In the summer, the park typically hosts events on birds and butterflies.

The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows.

Nearly all outdoor recreation activities are possible: Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

From I-25, take the Raton Exit 452. At the stop sign, turn right (east) on NM-72 for 3.8 miles. Where NM-72 turns sharply east, continue straight on NM-526. The park is about 6 miles from I-25.

Lake Maloya Trail, 2.2 miles one way, easy to moderate, elevation: 7,500 feet
The Lake Maloya Trail follows the west side of the lake, overlapping with a segment of Opportunity Trail. Stay to the right to reach the north end of the lake in Colorado. The trail ends at the Lake Dorothey State Wildlife Area trailhead. To make a loop, return along the paved road on the east side of the lake.