Williams Lake Trail #62

Williams Lake Trail #62


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Williams Lake Trail #62 follows the main return trail used by downhill skiers and, therefore, is not open for travel to Williams Lake when the ski area is open.

Williams Lake is a natural lake which does not have fish because it's often to shallow to maintain a fish population. Please select a campsite at least 300 feet from streams, springs, or lakes. Wheeler Peak is on the ridge line east of the lake and can be reached by climbing this slope. Technical rock climbing gear is not needed, but the slope is very steep and very rocky. Several avalanche chutes are apparent along the trail. Winter travelers should be alert to avalanche hazards.

To gain access to Williams Lake Trail #62 from the Twining Campground parking area, walk across the bridge, over the Rio Hondo, toward the Taos Ski Valley Ticket Office. Stay on the trail above the main office and under the two main chairlifts heading southeast.

Follow the ski trail next to the river for approximately 1.5 miles to the bottom of the Kachina Chairlift, Lift No. 4. Remain on the trail on the east side of Lake Fork Creek for approximately 1/4 mile. The main road crosses the creek and heads up the mountain to the right; do not follow the main road. An old road bears left and does not cross the creek. Follow the old road along the east side of the creek. The wilderness boundary is within half a mile. The elevation at this point is 10,600 feet. The trail is now located in Englemann spruce stands and near the upper end opens up into meadowland and scattered rock fields. It is about two miles from the hiker parking lot near the restaurant to Williams Lake which is at an elevation of 11,000 feet.

This 6 mile trail is designed for the novice to intermediate hiker.

Facilities: Twining Campground is located nearby.

Reservations: Reservations are not accepted nor needed.

Best Time To Visit: Summer and early fall are best for hiking and horseback riding. Winter and early spring for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Fees: A parking fee may be charged.

Accessibility: This trail is not handicap accessible.

Rules: Camping and campfires are not permitted along the lake shore to prevent damage to soil and water quality.

Directions: Travel approximately four miles north on US Highway 64 from Taos to the junction of State Highway 150, then east on 150 to Taos Ski Valley. Continue through the ski area parking lot to the Twining Campground. Parking is available adjacent to the campground. There is another parking area near the Kachina chair lift. Follow the roads that climb through and above the village to the designated hiker parking lot, before the Kachina/Phoenix area.

Attractions Near
Williams Lake Trail #62

Carson National Forest
Twining Campground
Wheeler Peak Wilderness

Address

Carson National Forest

208 Cruz Alta Road

Taos, New Mexico 87571

Phone
General: (505) 758-6200
TTY: (505) 758-6329

Website

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