Williams Lake

Above the Taos Ski Valley, the Williams Lake Trail climbs through pine forest and rocky terrain before opening up to a clear alpine lake beneath the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s a real mountain hike, but still short enough to fit into half a day.

What to Do

The trail to Williams Lake is about 2 miles one way, starting above 10,000 feet near Taos Ski Valley, with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The altitude can make the climb feel noticeably harder than a similar hike lower down, so be mindful of that. Most of the route stays in forest before opening into rockier terrain near the lake. Once you reach the basin, Williams Lake sits below steep alpine slopes with some of the best scenery in the Taos area. The lake itself is the main destination, and there is plenty of space around the shoreline to stop for lunch, take photos, or just sit for a while before heading back down. The same trail continues toward Wheeler Peak, New Mexico’s highest point, if you want to turn the hike into a full-day adventure.

Summer wildflowers can be excellent along the upper trail, and the surrounding peaks often hold patches of snow well into the warmer months. Weather changes quickly this high up. Even in summer, mornings are usually the better time to hike, both for cooler temperatures and to reduce the chance of getting caught in an afternoon thunderstorm.

How Much Time to Spend

Budget 2 to 3 hours round trip at a normal pace. Add extra time if you want to eat lunch at the lake, take photos, or move slowly because of the elevation. If you’re continuing toward Wheeler Peak, this stops being a short hike and becomes a full-day outing.

Getting There

Trailhead parking is near The Bavarian Restaurant at 36.579482, -105.439956, above Taos Ski Valley on paved roads. The drive up through Taos Ski Valley is straightforward, but parking can fill on busy summer weekends, so an early start helps. Snow can linger into late spring, and conditions change quickly at this elevation. In winter, the route is a snow hike and requires proper gear rather than normal hiking shoes.

At roughly half a day round trip, Williams Lake is one of the best options around Taos if you want real elevation gain, alpine scenery, and a high mountain destination without committing to an all-day summit hike.