Nambe Lake via Winsor Trail
6.9 mi
Distance
3 hrs 24 min
Time
terrain
1,115 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out-and-back trail to Nambe Lake in Santa Fe National Forest.
This trail goes by Aspen Peak and Aspen Basin Campground.
Getting Started
Start at the Winsor Trail (#254) trailhead on the North side of the parking loop for the Santa Fe ski area. Follow the Winsor trail about two miles. When you get to Nambe Creek (it's an unmistakable creek that crosses the trail) turn uphill and follow the creek to Nambe Lake.
Taking Children
There are two steep climbs: the first mile until you get to the wilderness area gate, and the last mile as you follow the creek to the lake. The terrain isn't difficult or dangerous, but the steep grade isn't for the out-of-shape or inexperienced. Active kids with hiking experience will have a great time. Anyone lacking endurance won't.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
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.
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stars
I hiked this trail with a group of teenage boys from church last night.
There is about 3 feet of snow. Winsor trail is really easy to hike because all of the traffic keeps the snow packed nicely. (Not icy at all.) After the turnoff to the Nambe Lake trail, though, we were walking through a foot of untouched snow. The depth of the snow combined with the steep grade was too much for some in our group. About a half mile from the lake, we backtracked to the clearing just above where the Nambe Creek meets the Winsor trail to camp for the night. Gorgeous hike and perfect winter conditions right now. We all had a great time.
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Public Tracks
Nambe Lake Hike
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.
