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 Reporter |
Summary: A steep climb up to a beautiful lake. You hike through dense pine forest, grassy meadows and some tall aspens. The trail is in good shape but the steep grade makes it a challenge. However, the hard work pays off. Lake Katherine is breathtaking, nestled in some steep cliffs under Santa Fe Baldy. If you have the energy you can continue all the way to the top of Baldy. If not you can just relax along side the lake, take a swim or try your luck at catching some of the trout that inhabit the lake. There are some good campsites around the lake. I am told that it can get crowded on the weekends but there was nobody up there when I was there. If you are not up for such a long, steep hike there are other lakes along the trail to Lake Katherine. These include Stewart Lake and Spirit Lake. The trails to these lakes are well marked. The guidebook says that the hike is 16 miles, TOPO! says it is 10. I think the guidebook is closer. Trailhead: From Pecos, drive north on NM 63 to Cowles. In Cowles, turn left and cross the Pecos River. Look for the sign for the Windsor Creek Trailhead on FR 121. Drive about 1.5 miles to the trailhead. (Lat:35.81597 Lon:-105.67687) Trail Guides for Lake Katherine: Hiking New Mexico by Laurence Parent (Falcon) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Pecos- Las Vegas Ranger District, P.O. Box 429, Pecos, NM 87552 (505) 757-6121 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Will Brown, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Charlie on 2/8/2009 Bring snow shoes if you go in the winter! My girlfriend and I had to give up the hike due to knee deep snow on trail 254 yesterday (2/8/09) The area is amazing and I am going back. 
Reviewed by Phil on 9/8/2008 Did a day hike to here on Sept 6th of 2008. This is one of the most beautiful places you can go in the area. We did not see anyone else on the hike up and only a few people at the lake itself when we got there. My hiking partner and I are not experienced hikers and we underestimated the difficulty of this hike but it is well worth it. There was no snow or ice present but it was at least in the 40s in the afternoon so it is a good idea to make sure you have a jacket/pants any time you go. I am really looking forward to making this hike again and spending a day or two in the area instead of having to leave after only an hour in order to get out by dark.
Reviewed by Bob on 4/29/2008 Good hike. Beautiful lake with plenty of camp sites. But I doubt I'd take a swim. High mountains lakes tend to be a bit nippy.
Reviewed by Laurie on 3/23/2008 OK - It has been a few years, but this is one of my favorite places. I always hike in from the SF Ski Basin. That's about 14 miles round trip. The trail is rocky, but not too bad. It is usually farily crowded to the Nambe River, thinning out as you approach Puerto Nambe, and not crowded between Puerto Nambe and the lake.
Reviewed by Chuck on 2/5/2008 I went at the end of August 2006... very rainy that time of the year and nothing is dry. Even though we were wet most of the time its was an awesome experience and will go again. It is a very hard hike due to the downed trees across the path and the steepness of the trail. I am a beginner hiker and carried too much weight so I only made 3/4 of the way, left my pack behind, camped at Lake Stewart, and returned for it the next day. The only reason I am posting this is because you need to be in half decent shape (which I am not) and DO NOT over pack. I would of been fine if I didn't take so much. I probably had a 75lb pack. Knowing what I know now I think I did very well. It was well worth it. Best time to go is June and July.
Reviewed by Fil on 7/24/2007 Went through Winsor Creek trail, and arrived at the always beautiful and impressive lake. The trail is packed with downed logs and is extremely difficult the last 2 miles. Like always, it was an honour to be at such a lake. Only the strong will make it
Reviewed by Kenneth on 7/9/2007 This hike is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys backpacking. This lake has the most beautiful backdrop, it is quite breath taking. The trail from the Santa Fe ski basin is definetly a challenge on the way up, but the lake and surrounding area is well worth it. If you have the time and energy summit Santa Fe Baldy for an even better view of Katherine and the entire Pecos wilderness.
Reviewed by Zane on 1/17/2006 This is one of my favorite places on earth. ( I mnamed one of my cats after it, lol ) As I get older it is getting harder to get to, the trial up the south side of Windsor Canyon is shorter but it is unrelenting in its climb. The new North trial is a little easier. I have enjoyed this trip the most when I take the day and pitch a tent at Stewart Lake and then do Katherine the next morning. spend most of the day there, climb Baldy, fish, play in the snow. go back to Stewart for dinner and some star gazing... I'm ready to go back! It's too far from Ft. Worth. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Mexico Hiking, New Mexico Trails, New Mexico Hikes, San Miguel County Hiking, San Miguel County Trails, San Miguel County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||