This Epic Hike in New Mexico Takes You up Santa Fe Baldy and Lets You See Stunning Lake and Forest Views

There is much to see in New Mexico and the most ideal or promising way to do so is by hiking. This way, you get to “be in the landscape” instead of simply looking at it from afar. You’ll also get closer to nature and it will provide humongous benefits for your health. Lucky for you, we all know all about one of the best hikes in the state. Check out Winsor Trail and learn why it’s a part of many traveler’s bucket list!

Winsor Trail Is a Gorgeous Trek That Will Treat You to Beautiful Views of the Lake and Forest

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It is truly possible to surround yourself with evergreen pines and native wildlife! Winsor Trail is a 21.7-kilometer out-and-back trail that takes you through paradise. Locals and tourists alike enjoy coming here because you get to see rewarding views not just at the end, but along the way as well.

The trail begins just next to the Santa Fe Ski Area parking lot. Hikers will find themselves on the Winsor Trail (Trail 254), and it immediately starts ascending with beautiful, albeit intermittent, views of the Santa Fe Ski Area.

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0.7 miles in, and signs will guide hikers and let them know they are entering the Pecos Wilderness. From there, the trail descends for the next mile. At 2.7 miles, just veer to the left because the right path leads to Nambe Lake. Pay important attention to the signages if you don’t want to get lost. You will have to cross Nambe Creek after the trail intersection, and after that, the hike will challenge you with its ascent. After 4 miles, you will reach another trail intersection. Follow the Skyline Trail (Trail 251) to the summit.

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Expect the climb to be tough with the four long switchbacks that ascend to the final trail intersection. Just head left toward the summit before hiking the last mile which will really test your mountain legs. At this point, there are a lot of steep climbs, and it requires your focus and attention to route navigation. The trail will seem more strenuous, and the ridge is also exposed to the sun and wind.

While it seems like such a drag, you will feel all your tiredness disappear when you make it to the summit. The stunning views of the Pecos Wilderness, Lake Katherine, as well as the city of Santa Fe are truly worth it!

You Will Pass Through High-Alpine Biomes That Are Too Beautiful for Words

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Why do people hike up all the way to the Santa Fe Baldy summit? Sure, it’ll boost their pride hiking such a challenging trail. But it also treats all hikers to a delightful scene with gorgeous views at the end.

Some adventurers recommend visiting in October to have the trail all to yourselves. If you appreciate a quiet and peaceful hike, then you should consider this. Of course, do not forget to appreciate your journey to the top, and stop for a moment to take in the beauty of the mossy pines and emerald stones.

While the elevation makes this trail a little bit harder than what you would typically expect from the steepness of the hike, the payoff is awesome! It can also get quite windy depending on the time of day you go.

Winsor Trail Is Also a Mountain Biker’s Dream

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Yes, this hike also happens to be a good mountain biking trail.

The trail is located within Tesuque Village, the trailhead starts off Big Tesuque Canyon Road. It starts as a pavement, but quickly turns to a dirt road, and you need to wind initially through a neighborhood area.

Expect to ascend a fairly rocky and technical section at the beginning. It zigzags for more than a mile before you can cross into a forest road. After going past the road crossing, you won’t need to put in as much effort because the trail becomes less technical. In fact, you’ll unconsciously pick up the pace since you’ll find it easier. There are several trail junctions on the way down, and we suggest that you just stay to the right at all junctions.

Continue biking and you’ll notice the topography change from a rolling trail through deciduous trees to a coniferous forest that provides a rockier and steeper trail.

We get that the other trails that are begging to be explored. However, if you haven’t researched where these paths will take you, we suggest you just stick to the original plan. Don’t forget to appreciate the beautiful nature right before you. The landscape is full of tall pine trees that get covered in moss. As you go up, the altitude will be above 10,000 feet, so don’t rush and take the time you need to get acclimated.

There are many mountain bikers hurtling down the trail with intense speed. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open so as to not bump into innocent hikers.

If you plan to come back down, there is a trail that crosses back and forth over Tesuque Creek several times before reaching a private dirt road. The trail will continue in and out of the road but it will eventually end on the pavement. You can just come down the intersection with Bishops Lodge Road, where you’ll turn right. Then, in about a mile and a half, you will reach Tesuque Village Market.

What You Should Know

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• Winsor Trail is really popular from April until October because that’s when the trail becomes fully accessible since the snow already melted. If you want a climb that isn’t too hot, you can come during late-August.
• You can bring your furry friends along, but please keep them on a leash while out exploring.
• Santa Fe Baldy may not be too impressive rom below. But once you hike to the top, you will be speechless because of the amazing views. You can also hike the ridge, but just remember to observe caution.
• You can always camp out to enjoy nature’s beauty for longer. We recommend that you stay at Lake Katherine, then just hike to the peak as a day trip. Your experience will be much more pleasant.

Would you take on this hike?

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