My understanding is that this is one of the few lakes in the area that you can reach in a half day’s round trip hike. With that in mind it’s perfect if you have limited time but are looking to get some exercise amidst spectacular scenery. Would rate this a moderately difficult hike if you are in decent shape. This will be a difficult hike for some. Keep in mind you are hiking at 10,000 feet elevation and total elevation gain is about 2000 feet give or take. Air is thinner up here (At the risk of stating the obvious). Trail begins with a steep .6-.8 mile climb. Go through the gate and from there it’s about 1.8 miles on a gentle descent to where you meet up with the trail to Nambe Lake. This next section is steep and rocky but not technical difficult. There are alternating steep and flat sections. As has been described elsewhere you will want to keep the stream within earshot. There are many trails crisscrossing this area but they all pretty much end at the lake as long as you stick near the stream. Recommend you download maps as cell service is spotty. Spend some time at the lake. Have lunch and walk around. It’s a stunner.
