Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works

Hike of The Week:
Nambe Lake and Basin

Listen to this Hike of the Week >>>

with Kent Little of Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works

Hike Rating : Moderate/Difficult

Round Trip Hiking Distance: 7 Miles round trip

Time To Hike: 4 to 5 hours

Altitude Range 10,252 ft to 11,400 ft.

Drive Time 30 Miles round trip 1.5 hours round trip drive time.

Drive Directions: From the Plaza drive North on Washington Avenue. Turn Right on Artist Road and follow approximately 14 miles to the ski basin. Stay to the left as you enter the parking lot as the trail-head is in the lower area of the parking lot. Look for the Winsor Trail sign as this is where you will begin the hike.

Maps: Aspen Basin USGS 7.5 Minute Series or Pecos Wilderness Map available from the US Forest Service Headquarters. Bill Drake Map of Santa Fe NM. Available at Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works.

Guides : Day Hikes in the Santa Fe Area . The Santa Fe Sierra Club.

Hey this is Kent from Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works bringing you the hike of the week. This week’s hike is a great alpine adventure that will take us high into the backcountry to visit Nambe Lake. At nearly 11,500 feet it is the closest alpine lake to Santa Fe. Nambe Lake is located just behind the Santa Fe Ski Area in the basin below Deception Peak and Lake Peak. The Nambe Lake Hike is a seven mile round trip from the ski basin parking lot providing a moderate high alpine day hike for those really looking to get out there. Most of this hike is at altitude and can be strenuous at times.

Hiking to Nambe lake is fairly straight – forward but there are some steeper gradients in sections of the trail climbing up to the lake. To complete the hike follow the Winsor Trail 254, out of the ski basin parking lot. Following the trail across a small wooden bridge , turn to your right following the steep switchbacks of the Winsor Trail one half mile to the gate and wilderness entry. This is your jump off point.
Follow trail 254 through forests of Aspen and Spruce keeping a close eye for the many wildflowers that thrive in these high alpine forests. You will pass through the fence and continue downhill following the trail for 1.25 miles to Nambe Lake trail. Hikers should beware not to follow trail 403 the Nambe River Trail as this descends a long steep trail to the Nambe River. Stay ahead until you see the Nambe Lake Sign. You will know you are there when you reach Nambe Lake Creek.
The Creek will serve as a great marker for where to ascend.

Follow the network of braided trails up the creek to Nambe Lake. A hiker that follows the creek will ultimately arrive at Nambe Lake . After enjoying the beautiful alpine basin and lake, retrace your course safely back to the ski basin parking lot. Traveling in the mountains in summer can expose the hiker to extreme weather and temperatures so some precautions should be taken.
Remember ……. always be prepared even when hiking close to home, there are a few pieces of gear that will make every hikers life better: always wear proper footwear and socks , always take food and water and always have a plan for where are going to travel. Rainwear,GPS and a Compass, a lighter,a Map and a Whistle could save your life if you get lost. For more great local hiking tips check out the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works Hike of the Week at project 101.5.com or drop by Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works at 328 S Guadalupe Street and let our local experts help you get geared up to hit the trail.
Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works, where our work is your play everyday.