The Williams Lake Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in New Mexico. On this moderate day hike, you’ll wander through forests, admire a field of boulders, and likely be greeted by chipmunks! The trail emerges into a lush basin where a small lake nestles against the side of Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s tallest mountain.
According to the Forest Service, this hike is approximately four miles out-and-back - a manageable length for many hikers. Most agree that, in terms of difficulty, it’s moderate. Those who find it hard are typically coming from much lower altitudes. So, if you live at lower elevations, give yourself a chance to adjust to the altitude change before doing this hike.
At the start, the trail is fairly open but you quickly find yourself immersed in forest.
Although this trail is popular with locals and also dog-friendly, wildlife sightings are common. You may spot chipmunks or even a marmot.
As you emerge into Williams Lake Basin, the view is astounding. The lushness of the basin contrasts with the more severe lines of the mountain ridgelines, creating a dramatic picture.
Dense trees form a loose ring around Williams Lake. This natural lake contains no fish because it freezes during the colder months.
There aren’t any amenities up here – really, the scenery is all you need – but you can relax on the grass with a picnic lunch. Restaurant dining couldn’t hope to be this picturesque. The setting makes you expect Heidi to come skipping through the trees or Julie Andrews to serenade you any moment!
If you’re craving more of a challenge, you can continue on from here to scale Wheeler Peak (at an altitude of 13,161 feet). That’s definitely a tough climb because that trail isn’t maintained and hikers must scale a slope of rocky debris. But the views from the top are stupendous.
(Pictured: Williams Lake as seen from the summit of Wheeler Peak.)
The Williams Lake Trail is inside the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, which was established in 1964 as part of the Wilderness Act. It’s located about 12 miles outside Taos, above the ski valley. The easiest way to reach the trail is by driving to the Williams Lake Parking Area.
Have you climbed up to Williams Lake? Would you like to try this hike?
If Taos is too far away for a visit to be feasible right now, here are some other hiking suggestions for trails spread across the state. After all, New Mexico has many impressive mountains worth discovering.
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