| 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. |
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