Star Mountain Hikes
Section 2: Santa Fe Area Hikes
The Santa Fe area hikes can be accessed from two trailheads. These include the Santa Fe Ski Basin or Aspen basin, and the Aspen Ranch Trailhead. This area is drained mostly by the Rio Nambe. There are large beautiful stands of Aspen in this area, and the Winsor Trail from the Aspen Basin trailhead is probably the heaviest used section of trail in the entire Pecos Wilderness. Nambe Lake as well as several high peaks over 12,000 ft in elevation can be accessed from the Santa Fe area, and the south end of the Borrego Triangle can be reached from the Aspen Ranch trailhead. The Aspen Basin or otherwise referred to as Aspen Ski Basin is also the most popular access point for trips to Santa Fe Baldy and Lake Katherine.
Hike #5 - Winsor National Recreation Trail
Trailhead: #10 Aspen Basin/Santa Fe Ski Basin
Directions: Take state route 475 (Artist Road) from Santa Fe all the way up to the end. There are large lots to park in at the trailhead/campground because of the Ski Area.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 15.2 miles
Time Required: 1-3 Days
Attributes: Scenic, Flora & Fauna, large aspen groves, Spirit Lake
Seasons: June - October
Usage: Very Heavy (Especially the Santa Fe side – probably the heaviest used trail in the entire wilderness area)
Trail Description. The trail head starts at the Northwest corner of the parking loop road of the ski resort. From the kiosk, the trail crosses the Rio Medio on a small wooden bridge and then goes in both directions following the creek. Turn right here to go towards the wilderness. A left will take you downhill towards the town of Tesuque. This is the non-wilderness part of the trail. Anyway, the trail that you will follow heads uphill following the creek for just a short distance before it switchbacks to the left. It continues up the hill through mixed forest with an occasional glimpse of the ski resort through the trees. The trail is moderate to steep in this section and switchbacks several more times before reaching the top of the hill at a saddle in the mountain and a fence line. This is the wilderness boundary. Sign the logbook and continue straight through the fence. There is a trail that turns right along the fence and heads up Raven’s Ridge that is described on the next hike. From the fence line the trail continues at a gradual downhill grade for about a half of a mile until you reach the junction with the Lower Nambe Trail. The trail is nice and smooth through this section thanks to the work of the Wilderness Volunteers of New Mexico. They dug the rocks out of the trail, and I would like to thank them for their hard work. The Lower Nambe connector trail turns left here, and it is locally referred to as “The Elevator” because of the steepness and the amount of elevation gain/loss depending on which way you travel. Anyway, the Winsor Trail continues eastward rounding a huge ridge. It gets quite steep on the downhill side of the trail here. The trail is also very rocky. You will pass through a dark Engelman spruce forest through this section on a north aspect until you get closer to the Nambe Lake Trail. Here the forest changes to mostly aspen trees. There is a pleasant view of Santa Fe Baldy through the trees to your left. This is an area that many people day-hike to in the fall to observe the intense golden color of the fall aspen leaves. At about two miles into the trail you will reach the Nambe Lake trail junction. The way to Nambe Lake is to your right. On this hike, you will keep going straight. Almost immediately, the trail drops down a little to the crossing of a branch of the Rio Nambe. Large and tall stones have been strategically placed by the trail volunteers for you to cross even when the water is a bit high. There was a bridge here in the past, but I like the stones better. The trail curves left here and continues through intermittent aspen stands. There are some areas of rocky trail, but most of it on this stretch is smooth. There is a stretch of exceptionally smooth, perfect trail that I relish. Then, the trail continues rounding the mountainside of spruce, aspen and an occasional grassy opening until you get to another trail junction. This is the Upper Nambe Trail. It is just a short cut off trail that leads to the Rio Nambe Trail close to La Vega Meadow. Your trail continues going straight along the hillside. As you gain elevation, little by little the aspen trees begin to change over into pure spruce forest. Eventually, you hit another trail junction on your left. This is the Rio Nambe Trail. You can use it to create good day hike loops. Again, your trail continues straight towards Puerto Nambe. It is not long before you reach a small creek crossing. To your right, a use trail climbs a moderate slope into the trees where there are a couple of huge boulders. There are some camp sites behind the boulders that make for good private camps near a water source. Anyway, the trail continues gradually climbing up to another slightly larger creek that also crosses the trail. This is the last water source until Spirit Lake. From the creek crossing, the trail begins to steepen eventually going over a couple of switchbacks. Watch for a quick view of the surrounding mountains through the trees around the upper switchback. The grade flattens out somewhat after the switchback and you soon come to a grassy opening surrounded by younger trees. This area is called Puerto Nambe. You will hit another trail junction here with the Skyline Trail. If you take the Skyline trail left, it will take you to Lake Katherine. If you go straight or right at the fork, the Winsor Trail and Skyline Trail merge for about a half of a mile. Before leaving the grassy area, you will have some nice views of the surrounding mountains including Lake Peak to the South and Santa Fe Baldy to the North. You will pass through the grassy opening and enter an older spruce forest that has been hit hard with blowdowns and deadfall. Soon, you will come up to the highest point of the divide. Here there is another trail junction to your right. Here, the Skyline Trail branches off to the South to head up Penitente and Lake Peaks. The Winsor Trail continues East traversing a steep and rocky, forested ridge. As you continue, you will notice that the forest is extremely unhealthy through here as most of the trees are dying. I do not think that it is due to Spruce Beetles through here, but it is probably due to drought and a rocky and poor growing site. Eventually, you will end up at a bend in the trail at the point of the ridge. From there the trail heads almost due North and drops down to Spirit Lake. There is one camp to the right of the trail near the outlet stream that is borderline too close to trail, stream & lake. But there are plenty of good camping spots to the right just past the outlet stream on the east side of the lake. The most used campsite is too close to the lake. It is within 200 ft. The distance traveled at this point is 6.2 miles. You still have 9 miles to go. Spirit Lake is a good stopping point if you would like to do an overnighter. However, there is no trout in Spirit Lake as far as I know. Once when I was there, I noticed salamanders swimming in the water. What made them unique was that they had exterior gills. They were Interesting animals. I have not seen them in years. Anyway, the trail continues north from the lake. It swings around and goes down at least one switchback before descending moderately to the first crossing of Winsor Creek. Just past the creek, the trail turns east again, and it follows the creek from a distance until it joins up once again with the Skyline Trail coming from Lake Katherine. The trails stay merged for another half of a mile again as they descend steeply down some shorter switchbacks. At the bottom of the steep hill, you will reach the last intersection with the Skyline Trail as it turns north to Stewart Lake. The Winsor Trail Turns right and crosses Winsor Creek again. It is a little larger here, and early in the year you may need to get your feet wet. However, there is a large log that you can use to bridge the creek, but it is a little high above the creek for the taste of some hikers. The trail turns back easterly again and passes a good place to camp between the trail and a meadow that the creek flows though. The trail heads eastward from here for a quarter mile and then rounds the point of a small ridge and eventually crosses a small ravine where it heads back east again. Not too long after this, it meets up with a closed trail that branches off to the left. People use this closed trail as a shortcut to Stewart Lake from the Winsor Creek Trailhead, but there are many deadfalls on this trail, and it is becoming difficult to follow in one area. I am not sure, but I think the forest service closed it to make it more difficult to reach Stewart Lake because the area has become overused. Anyway, keep heading generally southeast on the Winsor Trail. You will be in a mixed forest with some large trees. After about a mile you will reach the junction with the Holy Ghost Trail. There is an exceptionally beautiful grassy area at the junction that is surrounded by aspen trees. Continue east on the Winsor Trail and the forest surrounding the trail turns into a very impressive grove of aspen trees. The grade also flattens out somewhat in this area. This wonderful area lasts for approximately a mile until the trail turns south. It hops over the top of the ridge to follow the edge of the southern slope of the ridgeline. Here the forest becomes a mix of conifers and hardwoods, and It even opens for a view or two down the Pecos River Canyon. This continues for several miles until you reach the point of the large ridge. Again, the trail hops over the top of the ridgeline and turns to head in the opposite direction. Now you find yourself heading generally west to northwest on a northern aspect of the ridge. The forest here is mixed conifers and some small hardwoods in the understory. It continues gradually descending downhill as you go. On you left as the trail turns into a ravine, you will find a small burned area. This was the Winsor Ridge Fire. The trail continues heading gradually down towards the creek for at least another mile until you reach the other end of the closed trail. Here, the trail switchbacks east and follows the creek for a short distance until you hit the last crossing of Winsor Creek. There is a narrow one log bridge that has been flattened on top to cross during times of higher water flow. From here, there is about one mile of trail that goes through mixed forest, aspen, and some openings before you reach the Winsor Creek Trailhead. This is the end of the trail.
Video: https://youtu.be/yNEpTcd5HSo
Hike #6 – Raven’s Ridge to Puerto Nambe Loop
Trailhead: #10 Aspen Basin/Santa Fe Ski Basin
Directions: Take state route 475 (Artist Road) from Santa Fe all the way up to the end. There are large lots to park in at the trailhead/campground.
Difficulty: Very hard – Some scrambling required
Distance: 10.5 miles
Time Required: 4 – 8 hours
Attributes: Great Views, 3 peaks over 12,000 ft, wildflowers, wildlife
Seasons: June - October
Usage: Heavy
Trail Description: The hike starts on the Winsor trail at Aspen Basin Campground/Trailhead or more widely referred to as the Santa Fe Ski Basin. The elevation here is approximately 10,000 ft. From this elevation the trail climbs moderately steep for about ½ mile. It will switchback a few times. There is a bench to rest on at one of the switchbacks. Follow the trail to the wilderness boundary at the fence line. There is also a bench to sit on at this location. Here, take a right and follow the fence line trail up to a nice viewpoint overlooking Lake Peak and the Nambe Lake basin and outlet drainage. From there, follow the very steep braided trail up the hill to the top of Raven’s Ridge. Just before the top of the ridge you will encounter a talus field. Here you will need to keep left. You will find the trail through the trees right along the rocks to the north edge of the talus. The trail keeps following the ridgeling all the way up to the junction with the Skyline Trail. However, make sure to take advantage of a couple of viewpoints just below timberline that overlook Nambe Lake. When you get above timberline at the top of the hill, the trail ends at the skyline trail that runs both directions (north and south). Turn left and follow the trail north to the top of Deception Peak 12,320 ft in elevation. From the top of the busy summit, proceed down a scramble trail on the Northeast side of the summit. You will see the main skyline trail down below you. Once you reach the trail, you will traverse the small quarter mile ridge between Deception Peak and Lake Peak. You can stay on top of the ridge if your scrambling skills are good enough, however the trail down below you to the east is easier. Follow the trail until you find a good way up to the top of Lake Peak 12,408 ft in elevation. From here you will enjoy a top of the world view of the Pecos Wilderness to the east and north and valley views to the west. Continue the hike almost strait down the eastern side of the mountain. You will hit the skyline trail only a short distance from the top. Follow it down to the saddle between the two mountains. There are sometimes large snow fields here late into the season, so proceed with caution. From the saddle, the skyline trail traverses all the way around Penitente Peak. However, I prefer to hike straight up to the top for a better 360-degree view. There is also a rock shelter at the top to protect from the strong winds that blow over this peak. The top of the peak is 12,249 ft in elevation. It is not often that you can bag three 12,000 footers in one day hike. To continue the hike. Follow the bald ridge to the north of the summit as it descends further into the wilderness. You will see a faint trail down the mountain. Enjoy the great views from here. Where the tree line begins, look for a sign directing you onto the skyline trail that switchbacks southeasterly at this location. Follow the trail through a beautiful Engelmann spruce forest as it descends further and further down the mountain until you reach the intersection with the Winsor Trail. Turn left here and follow the Winsor trail back to the trailhead for about 4.5 miles. For a better description of the Winsor Trail, see Hike #1 in the Santa Fe area hikes.
Video: https://youtu.be/63hePrwKwe0
Hike #7 - Rio Nambe Loop
Trailhead: #10 Aspen Basin/Santa Fe Ski Basin
Directions: Take state route 475(Artist Road) from Santa Fe all the way up to the end. There are large lots to park in at the trailhead/campground.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance:
Time Required: Day Hike 5-6 hours
Attributes: Small views, flora & Fauna
Seasons: May - October
Usage: Moderate (Rio Nambe Trail), Very Heavy (Winsor Trail)
Special Information:
Trail Description: None. Please send me a written description if you have one, or I may write a description from memory.
Hike #8 - Nambe Lake
Trailhead: Aspen Basin
Directions: Take state route 475(Artist Road) from Santa Fe all the way up to the end. There are large lots to park in at the trailhead/campground.
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 6 miles
Time Required: 4 – 6 hours
Attributes: Scenic Lake, steam & meadow, wildflowers, wildlife
Seasons: June - October
Usage: Heavy
Special Information:
Trail Description: The trail starts on the northwest corner of the parking loop at the Santa Fe ski basin right next to the restrooms. Follow the Winsor Trail to the junction of the Nambe Lake Trail. See the description of the Winsor trail for more information about this segment of trail. From the trail junction, follow the braided trail steeply up the hill from a small opening. One trail follows the creek closely and the other traverses a steep hillside. It really does not matter which trail you follow; it all ends up at the same spot. After approximately an eighth of a mile or so, you will find a small spring fed creek crossing the trail, and you will come to the creek. The creek here is absolutely stunning. It cascades among mossy rocks and lush vegetation. Look for Parry’s Primrose growing next to the stream here. At the top of the impressively steep grade of this trail section, the trail turns left and crosses the creek and levels out for a short stretch. If you turn right at this point, you will find a nice open area that contains the nicest campsites of the area. Firewood is still at a premium. From the flatter area the trail climbs very steeply again up to another flat spot that contains a large meadow filled with marsh marigolds early in the season. Continue along the meadow for a short distance and the trail will begin to climb moderately. Soon, you will cross the creek one last time before the final push to the lake. The trail is heavily braided here again, but there is only one place all these trails can end, and that is Nambe Lake. This section is also steep and rocky. When you see a large cliff face just across the creek to your left, you will know that you are close to arriving at the lake. When you do arrive at the lake, an impressive view of the lake outlet in the foreground will rise over the lake all the way to the top of lake peak.
Nambe lake is a small lake with no fish, and yet it is so beautiful and close to the trailhead that it receives a ton of usage. There are a couple of campsites at the far end of the lake from the outlet behind a large boulder. It is heavily used. There is truly little firewood unless you bring a large saw. I would worry about polluting the lake basin if you need to dig catholes here since it is such a small and rocky basin. There is a very wet marsh and pond on the west side of the camp. In fact, this must be crossed on logs that have been placed across to aid in keeping your feet dry. The main inlet creek lies on the east side of this campsite with one camp on the far bank of the inlet stream. Follow the inlet stream up to the source spring coming right out of the rocks in the mountain for the coldest and cleanest drinking water around. However, I would advise filtering or other purification methods just to be safe. There are large herds of bighorn sheep that inhabit the alpine zones of the Pecos Wilderness. Also, there are many pica and marmots in this area that could pollute the water with giardia. Caution is always the best policy when it comes to your health.
Video: https://youtu.be/GQQgSh765j0